Summer with Intention: Guiding Young People Toward Purpose, Prevention & Support

Summer break offers a much-needed pause from the school year—but without structure, connection, or support, it can also be a vulnerable time for teens and young adults. Boredom, peer pressure, and unstructured time can increase the risk for emotional struggles, substance use, or acting out. At Equanimity Parent Coaching, we believe summer is not just a break—it’s an opportunity. With intention and presence, parents can help their children build resilience, discover purpose, and even intervene early when warning signs arise.

Why Summer Matters

Summer brings more freedom—but also fewer routines, adult connections, and safe boundaries. For some youth, this can lead to:

• Excessive screen time or withdrawal

• Heightened anxiety, mood swings, or irritability

• Substance experimentation or risky behavior

• Resistance to structure or family expectations

Prevention is most effective when we offer our kids both freedom and support—space to grow, and connection to come back to.

Reframing Summer as a Season of Growth

Prevention isn’t only about stopping risky behavior—it’s about helping young people move toward meaning, confidence, and healthy choices. That’s where the Summer Challenge comes in.

The Summer Challenge: Purpose Builds Protection

A Summer Challenge is a youth-driven project or goal that brings structure, confidence, and pride. It works because it:

• Builds autonomy and intrinsic motivation

• Helps youth feel capable and seen

• Replaces boredom with intentional engagement

Examples of Summer Challenges:

• Volunteer at a local animal shelter or nonprofit

• Train for a 5K or hike a new trail each week

• Learn to cook five meals and host a family dinner

• Start a podcast, blog, or creative portfolio

• Offer a paid service like tutoring, lawn care, or pet sitting

What Parents Can Do to Support

You don’t need to solve everything—but your presence and steadiness matter more than you know. Tips for Encouraging Summer Intention:

• Start with open dialogue: “What’s something you’d love to try this summer?”

• Set a light rhythm with time for movement, creativity, connection, and service

• Model your own goals: Share your intention—reading more, volunteering, trying something new

• Be the anchor: Normalize hard emotions, listen without fixing, and keep showing up

When You Suspect Something More: Early Signs of Concern

If you’re seeing ongoing behavior that concerns you—trust your instincts. Early intervention makes a difference. Some signs to pay attention to:

• Sudden mood changes or withdrawal from family

• Drop in motivation, hygiene, or sleep patterns

• Secretiveness, defensiveness, or lying

• Changes in friends, interests, or routines

• Evidence of vaping, marijuana, alcohol, or pills

Tools for Navigating Early Concerns

If you suspect substance use, mental health challenges, or emotional dysregulation, here are non-reactive, supportive steps:

• Pause and regulate yourself first

• Create safe, judgment-free space for conversation

• Ask curious, non-accusatory questions

• Avoid shaming; focus on safety and connection

• Reach out for support from professionals or peer resources

• Educate yourself on adolescent development and co-occurring risks

Final Thoughts

You don’t need all the answers—but your presence, curiosity, and willingness to grow with your child are powerful tools for prevention and healing.

Let this summer be more than a pause—let it be a chance to reconnect, refocus, and realign with what matters most. You are not alone!

And it’s never too early—or too late—to seek support. Please feel free to reach out to me at marti@equanimityparentcoaching.com. I'm glad to to support and provide resources.