Summer can be a time to look forward to. More sun. Less cold weather. And perhaps the favorite amongst kids: no school! That means endless days with no plans and plenty of time to hang out with friends, catch up on some of the books on your reading list, binge-watch the latest Netflix series, and so on.
Sounds great, right? It can be. But for many teenagers, summer can be hard on their mental health. Kids thrive on routine and knowing what is expected of them each day. Plus, warmer temperatures can disrupt sleep patterns. And for kids who don’t have a group of friends ready and willing to hang out, it can mean an increase in loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
For parents, watching their teen struggle during what is “supposed” to be a fun season can be frustrating and worrisome. For other parents, they might not even see the change coming. That’s why we’ve put together some thoughts on what to look for.
Summer is Difficult, Here’s Why
We touched on a handful of the reasons that summer is hard. But let’s take a look at this more holistically. How can summer impact a teen? Here are a few ways.
- Loss of structure and routine that school normally provides
- Changes in sleep schedules from late nights, later mornings, and warmer temperatures
- Less social interaction for teens who don’t have consistent plans with friends
- Increased screen time, which can lead to more isolation
- Dehydration, which can affect mood, energy levels, and focus
- Body image concerns that may come up during shorts, tank tops, or swimsuit season
Let’s use screen time as an example. During the school year, kids spend plenty of time on screens, especially if they attend a school that uses devices for educational purposes. But during the summer, screentime can easily add up to nine hours a day or more. It adds up fast with time spent doom-scrolling social media on mobile devices, time spent watching television, and more.
And let’s talk about sleep. During the school year, most parents have general guidelines in place for kids to go to bed at night and get up in the morning. These guidelines help make sure teens get the eight to ten hours that they need each night. But during the summer, teens can stay up later. Plus, they have no need to get up at a certain time. This can be hard on the circadian rhythm, and the summer heat adds yet another layer.
So, though it might seem that summer should be so easy for kids, that’s not always the case.
Common Behavioral Changes to Watch For
Even if your child has shown no signs of mental health concerns in the past, summer poses a common time for this to change. We encourage all parents to be on the lookout for the following behavioral changes.
- Mood changes, such as increased irritability, sadness, or frustration
- Sleeping too much or having trouble falling and staying asleep
- Pulling away from family or avoiding time with friends
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite or noticeable shifts in energy levels
If you are seeing one or more of these changes in your kids, it’s worth having a conversation. In some cases, your teen might not even realize that their behavior is changing. And for many teens, they don’t always know how to ask for help or to raise their hand to say that something doesn’t seem right.
How Parents Can Support Their Teen Throughout the Summer
As parents, we all want to support our teens the best way that we can. And supporting our teens throughout the summer months doesn’t have to be overly complicated. First, encourage your child to take on a daily routine. Perhaps that involves a few chores such as helping out in the garden, mowing the lawn, or helping make dinner.
Encourage your child to stay connected with their friends. Remember that a big roadblock can be transportation. So, find a way to make it easy for your teen to see their friends a few times a week. Whether it’s by teaching your child how to use public transportation, coordinating things with other parents, or driving them yourselves, this can go a long way in helping boost your child’s mental health.
Encourage your child to get the eight to ten hours of sleep they need each night. This might mean establishing a reasonable “lights out” time and “wake up” time. Avoid the temptation to simply let your teen sleep the day away. Moods tend to lift when sleep aligns with the sun.
Lastly, stay involved with your child and check in often. It can be so easy to take on your own summer routine and lose sight of what’s happening with your teen, especially older teenagers. Engage in family discussions around the dinner table. Schedule family movie nights once a week, or perhaps some time spent around the campfire. Being present with your child can make a big impact.
When to Consider Additional Help
It’s not always obvious that your child might need some additional support. However, if your teen’s mood or behavior doesn’t improve after a few weeks, that’s a big indicator that something is up and some extra help might be needed. This is especially true if you notice ongoing withdrawal, major shifts in sleep or eating habits, or talk that sounds hopeless or concerning.
Trust your instincts. You know your child more than anyone. If something feels off, pay attention and take action. Remember, you do not have to figure it out on your own. Programs like those offered at Embrace U Adolescent Mental Health in Tennessee can provide structured care, guidance, and support to help teens regain a sense of balance and enjoy all the fun that summer can bring.
