51 | No School, No Structure, More Anxiety? How to Help Your Teen Thrive This Summer
Hi Parents!
Are you worried about summer break feeling stressful?
For parents of anxious teens, the end of the school year can bring more tension than relief. With no routine, more screen time, and long days filled with “what now?” moments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to keep your teen busy, happy, and mentally well. Add in your own work schedule and responsibilities, and suddenly summer starts to feel less like a break and more like a juggling act.
In this solo episode, I’m talking about what really happens when anxious teens lose the structure of school - and what you can do to help them feel more secure and supported during these unstructured months. You’ll hear why screens become such a tempting escape, how to gently build in a sense of purpose and routine without making it feel like summer school, and how to invite your teen into planning their days so they feel empowered, not controlled.
I’ll also share a fun strategy I personally use with my friends - creating a shared summer list on a Google Doc. It’s a simple but powerful way to keep everyone connected and looking forward to things without the pressure of over-scheduling.
We’ll also explore how to carve out space for your teen to help around the house - not every day, but enough to give them a sense of contribution and accountability. And if you’ve ever felt like you’re the entertainment committee 24/7, I’ve got thoughts on how to shift that dynamic too, so boredom doesn’t always fall back on you.
This episode is filled with easy, doable strategies for creating a summer that feels a little more intentional, a little less chaotic, and a whole lot more connected.
So if you’re already bracing yourself for the summer juggle, this one’s for you.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
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