Create a Great Summer with your Teen

Summer with teens can be magical—and maddening. With school out, routines shift, expectations blur, and suddenly you're navigating new territory every day. If you’re wondering how to keep the peace, build connection, and still enjoy the season, you’re not alone.

Here are 4 simple strategies to help you and your teen create a summer that actually works for everyone.

1. Start with a Talk

Before summer fully kicks off, hit pause and talk with your teen.
Ask:

• What frustrates you most about summer?

• What are you most looking forward to?

Be honest about your own hopes and challenges, too—whether it’s dishes left in the sink or non-stop screen time. Then… listen. (Yes, really listen.) Revisit this conversation weekly. This check-in is a powerful way to reset expectations and stay on the same page.

2. Set Boundaries That Make Sense

Teens need freedom—but they also need limits. Together, decide what’s reasonable when it comes to:

• Screen time

• Household messes

• Sibling arguments

• Timelines for chores

Don’t forget to include both rewards and consequences. Teens are more likely to follow boundaries they help create—and that come with clear follow-through.

3. Share Responsibilities

If your teen lives in the house, they should help run it. Period. Summer is a great time to teach and share the load:

• Laundry

• Cooking meals

• Grocery shopping

• Dog walking

• Mowing the lawn

Responsibility builds confidence—and gives you a much-needed break, too.

4. Have Fun—On Purpose

Summer is meant to be enjoyed! Make space for joy.

• Let each family member plan a weekly activity (simple or big).

• Keep this time sacred—no phones, no rescheduling.

• Take photos. Be silly. Make memories.

These shared experiences are the glue that holds everything else together.

Remember: You don’t need a perfect plan—just a shared one.

With a little structure, a little flexibility, and a lot of communication, this summer can be one you and your teen will look back on with real pride (and maybe even a few laughs).

📧 Need more ideas or support?
Contact Key Coaching at colleen@thekeycoach.org
🌐 www.thekeycoach.org | 📞 720-334-8125