Summer with Teenagers: A Parent’s Survival Guide

3 Aug

We hope you’re enjoying the summer so far. By now, many families are a couple of weeks into the break, and routines have shifted, plans may have come and gone, and the reality of a long stretch without school is starting to settle in (especially for those with teenagers).

For some, this time of year brings a much-anticipated chance to slow down, spend time together and step away from the pressures of term time. For others, it can feel a bit more challenging as structure disappears, friendship groups shift, screen time creeps up, and teenagers often have very different ideas about what makes a “good summer”.

Over the past few summers, we’ve spoken to psychologists, therapists, parenting specialists and educators about the teenage years, from neurodiversity and school transitions to friendships, social anxiety and substance use. While every family is different, there are a few themes our experts come back to time and again.

Keep a little routine

Summer doesn't need a timetable, but it does help to have some anchors throughout the week.

That might mean:

a regular-ish wake-up time
getting out of the house most days
eating together whenever you can
keeping bedtime from drifting too far
keeping an eye on device time

For neurodivergent teenagers especially, predictable routines can help reduce anxiety and make the holidays feel more manageable. Equally, if your teenager has struggled with school this year, don't leave getting ready to go back to school until the night before. Little conversations along the way and small preparations can make returning feel much less overwhelming.

You don't need to fill every day

Parents often feel pressure to keep teenagers entertained. Our experts would disagree.

Rest isn't wasted time. Teenagers have spent months juggling school, friendships, exams, social media and growing up.

A little boredom can actually be healthy. It encourages activity, creativity, independence and problem-solving. The aim isn't to keep them busy every minute, it's to help them find a balance between rest, activity and connection.

Friendships: Quality, quantity or quiet?

Summer holidays can be wonderful for friendships... or quite lonely. Some teenagers will want to see friends every day. Others are happiest meeting one close friend. Some neurodivergent teenagers may need plenty of time on their own to recharge before they're ready to socialise again.

Rather than focusing on how often your teenager is seeing people, think about whether they're staying connected in ways that feel comfortable for them. Sometimes one trusted friend is enough.

Summer is a great time for conversations

Without the rush of school mornings and homework, summer often creates opportunities for the conversations that don't happen during term time. You don't need to sit down for a proper chat.

Some of the best conversations happen:

walking the dog
driving somewhere
cooking together
watching television
sitting in the garden.

The important thing isn't finding the perfect words. It's showing teenagers you're available whenever they're ready. This becomes particularly valuable if conversations naturally drift towards friendships, parties, vaping or alcohol over the summer months.

Waiting for exam results…

There's not long to go now and you might be noticing, excitement, anxiety or a bit of hopelessness. Whatever the outcome, remember that Results Day is just ONE day and doesn't define your teenager or their future. Stay calm, keep the conversation open and reinforcing them that there are many different pathways. Your reassurance can make all the difference.

Let go of the pressure

There isn't a perfect summer. Not every day needs to be exciting. Not every family holiday needs to be Instagram-worthy.

Some of the moments teenagers remember most are often the ordinary ones, laughing over dinner, watching a film together or stopping for an ice cream after a walk.

Final thought

Summer with teenagers can be wonderful, unpredictable and occasionally worthy of an eye-roll or two. You don't have to get everything right.

Stay connected.
Keep talking.
Leave space for rest and fun.
Enjoy the simple moments.

Most of all, we hope you and your family have a happy, healthy and restful summer.

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jenni dunn