The summer holidays are all about fun, flexibility and freedom. But, sometimes it can be hard work to keep everyone sane and motivated through the longer, lazier weeks. And everyone has their own way of making the most of the extra downtime.
Some parents and guardians feel that it’s all on them to keep the family entertained and happy, while others encourage teens to make their own plans and spend time with friends.
And then there’s the great debate – should you encourage your teen to keep learning (even just a little) or allow them a complete break from their studies?
We’ve rounded up four summer holiday parent personalities. Which one do you identify most with?
1. The extra-curricular encourager
You’re all about the fun, but you care about help your teen continue to learn and expand their horizons, too. The usual school-time routine is packed with music lessons, sports games, crafty clubs and other extra-curricular activites, so why should the summer holidays be any different?
For your teen, you want to keep their knowledge topped up and stave off the dreaded ‘summer learning loss’, so you’ll suggest they swap Netflix binging for light studying, reading or a few extra tutor sessions to keep their brains firing.
And whether it’s learning how to cook, code or do Karate, you’ll always encourage them to widen their skills and follow their passions. In your opinion, the summer is the perfect time to do just that.
MyTutor advice: Don’t forget to ease off the pressure sometimes and allow the whole family to chill out with some proper downtime – whether it’s a movie night, local walk or a few lie-ins as a treat. Your teen will thank you for helping them pause and properly relax while they can.
2. The fun delegator
The summer holidays are a great opportunity to spend more time as a family, but you also acknowledge that you need a break from the school rush, too. As the holiday period hits, you’re planning some quiet time for yourself (no judgement here) by helping your teen fill their diary with gatherings, trips with friends and time to hang out with their grandparents or other extended family.
You also realise that your teen needs space to explore their own hobbies and passions across the summer, so you lean into the role models and mentors they already have in their life, like the aunt who started their own business or the family friend who’s a brilliant baker.
MyTutor advice: Encouraging your teen to go in search of their own fun is great for their independence but try to add in a few days just you and them. Spend some quality time just chilling at home or treat yourself to a spa or active day together.
3. The on-the-same-leveller
You’re so happy that the summer holidays are here as you love seeing more of your teen. For you, the long stretch of summer spells fun music festivals, road trips and Netflix parties together. Your teen actually likes spending time with you (you’ve basically won at life) and they’re happy to balance seeing their friends with plenty of family time as they genuinely have fun hanging out at home.
You know how hard they’ve worked during the school term, but you also know how important is to help keep them motivated and encouraged for the next school year. That’s why you’ve created a joint reading list or you’ve favourited a bunch of interesting documentaries for you to watch together.
MyTutor advice: Helping your teen shape their own plans away from home is also a good idea (and this can help them get ready for university or eventually moving out). Whether it’s a summer social club or a trip away with friends, new experiences will help them explore their interests and discover what makes them happy.
4. The active adventure planner
For you, the summer holidays are finally the time to escape the daily grind and plan a whole host of adventures, near and far. You’ve researched walks and hikes, planned a wild camping trip or signed the kids up for surfing/tennis/photography classes.
You might also be lucky enough to plan a getaway or two and you’re dreaming of exploring new cities, spotting wildlife or searching out hidden beaches together – even better if there’s an extra dollop of sunshine and better weather than the dreary grey skies you’re getting at home.
MyTutor advice: Just a gentle reminder that there’s plenty of fun to be had at home too. Try being a tourist in your own town or getting your teen to help with the gardening or cooking – it’s a great way to get to know them better and find fun in the everyday.
Whatever your summer holiday parenting personality, your teen is probably just happy not to be thinking about school or exams for a little while. Remind them how hard they’ve worked and that they deserve a balance of lazy, chilled out and fun action-packed days (and so do you).
Thinking of booking some top-up tutoring sessions throughout the summer? Keen to help your teen explore a new subject like environmental studies or drama? Find the right tutor for them here.