Teenagers can become bored in the summer if they have nothing better to do with their time than sit around. Keeping your teenagers amused is harder than keeping young kids entertained. A trip to the park simply won’t cut it anymore!

 

So how do you keep a teenager busy during the summer without losing your mind or losing your patience? Let us help you:

 

Jobs – Of course, the ideal thing would be for your teenager to get a job. This would keep them occupied most days and they are less likely to laze around or get into trouble if they have to go to work, Unfortunately, finding a job for a teenager is not as easy as it was in “our day” so they will need to work at it. Encourage your teen to visit local shops and ask around for work - no matter how small the role may be, it is better than nothing. 

 

Volunteering – Another good option is volunteering and there are lots of places that would benefit from your teenager's help in a rescue centre or in a charity shop. If your teen loves animals, a rescue centre would suit them perfectly. It may not pay them, but they are spending time doing something worthwhile and this is a good experience which may lead to prospects in the future.  

 

 

Courses – Another good option is enrolling your teenager into a course that may interest them or be of benefit to them. There are lots of online courses, especially for creative types like writing, radio presenting, art and crafts etc. In terms of useful courses, there are first aid ones or coaching skills for kids (if they are into sports). There is something for everyone so do some research and see what happens.

 

Odd jobs – Babysitting is a service lots of people need so get your teenager to create a flyer or do up a Facebook page for babysitting so that people know your teen is available and get other young adults involved too. Send it around to local people and it may lead to work and gardening is another opportunity as many people need help in their garden. Other odd jobs include helping people in their home, leaflet drops, event jobs and window cleaning work.

 

Visit family – If you have extended family - who live a bit away, a trip down to them is a good way to keep your teen occupied and they’ll enjoy catching up with their family too. It is good for them to spend time with others (away from their primary family unit) and let them spend as long or as little as they like. As restrictions life this may be possible in a socially distanced manner. 

 

 

Days out – There are many places a teenager will enjoy including the cinema, shopping centres or bowling alleys.  This summer they may have to get their thinking cap on as many of these places will be closed. Consider hiking, walking trails, hill walks, swimming in the sea and mountain climbing to name a few.

 

Let them free – This is a hard one, but you need to give your teenager some room to grow (depending on their age). If they are over 16, they will be able to behave properly and attend friends houses or go away with pals down the country. It is good to give them that freedom while keeping a little eye on them too!

 

Good luck!