01/06/2026
Last week, I shared how summer holidays aren’t always as easy as they seem for teenagers.
While a break from school can be refreshing, many teens also lose something important during the holidays: structure, routine, and regular social connection.
So what can parents do?
You don’t need to fill every hour of the day with activities.
Instead, focus on three simple things:
🌿 Structure – a predictable rhythm to the day, including sleep, meals, and some planned activities.
🌿 Purpose – something meaningful to work on, whether that’s a hobby, a summer course, volunteering, reading, or helping at home.
🌿 Connection – regular time with friends, family, mentors, or other trusted adults.
One question I often encourage parents to ask is:
“What are you looking forward to this week?”
The answer can tell us a lot about how connected, engaged, and hopeful a young person is feeling.
Summer doesn’t need to be busy.
But having something to look forward to, something to work toward, and someone to connect with can make a meaningful difference.
What has helped your teenager stay engaged during school breaks?