5 Ways to Help Your Teen Survive the Summer

As a teen, there’s so much to look forward to in the summer. The days are longer, the weather is nicer and school is out—meaning an empty schedule with less commitment. While most might look forward to the summer, some teens struggle with the change. Here are five ways you can help your teen survive the summer season.

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1. Help Them Find a Job

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Summer is an excellent time to earn a little extra money. Whether there’s work at a local business they can get for the summer, some odd jobs they can do around the house or local babysitting opportunities, use the summer to teach your teen the basics about financial responsibility. Having a job will provide them with the routine they might be missing and keep boredom at bay.

2. Plan a Trip

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Sometimes it’s nice to get out of the house, even if it’s not far or for long. Plan a family trip camping or visiting another city, or even enrol your teen in a summer camp. This is a great opportunity for them to meet some new friends and break up the monotony of a free schedule.

3. Encourage Outside Time

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One of the highlights of summer is the wonderful weather. Encourage your teen to spend time outside, whether they participate in summer sports, go to the beach or on a hike, the extra vitamin D will do wonders for their mood and energy level.

4. Try Something New

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With all of this extra time, encourage your teen to try some new hobbies. Have they always been wanting to learn to play an instrument, cook a new dish, try a new art medium or master a craft? Now’s the time! The school year can be very busy so try signing your teen up for a summer class at your local rec center where they can learn something fun.

5. Host Their Friends

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The summer is a fantastic opportunity for teens to spend quality time with their friends so try facilitating activities at your house. A BBQ, backyard campout, movie night or board game tournament are all fun ways that your teen can spend time with their friends in a safe environment.