The Summer Struggle: When Your Teen Feels Left Out
Summer break often brings images of carefree days, vacations, and endless fun with friends. But for many teens, it’s the opposite—a time of loneliness and isolation as school routines disappear, friends travel, and social connections fade. As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to watch your teen withdraw, spending hours on their phone or feeling left out while others seem busy with exciting plans.
The good news? There are plenty of ways to help your teen turn this summer into a time of connection, self-discovery, and fun. By encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone, engage in new experiences, and explore their interests, they can build confidence and meaningful relationships along the way.
Here are some great summer activities to help your teen overcome loneliness and make the most of the season.
1. Encourage Them to Join a Local Class or Workshop
Picture This:
Your teen walks into a local art studio, hesitant at first. The instructor greets them warmly, and soon, they’re seated among other teens, working on their own paintings. Laughter fills the room as they share ideas, and by the end of the session, they’ve not only created something beautiful but also connected with others who share their interests.
If your teen enjoys a particular hobby—or wants to discover a new one—enrolling in a class or workshop can be a great way to boost their confidence and meet new people in a natural setting.
Some great options include:
- Art or Creative Writing Classes – Perfect for teens who love to express themselves.
- Cooking & Baking Workshops – A fun way to develop skills and socialize.
- Music or Dance Lessons – Whether it’s learning an instrument or trying hip-hop, movement-based activities can be a great mood booster.
- Sports & Fitness Programs – Summer yoga, swimming, or martial arts can help keep them active and engaged.
🔹 How You Can Help: Look for community centers, local businesses, or online platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite that offer teen-friendly classes. Some libraries and nonprofits even provide free or low-cost options!
2. Encourage Volunteering for a Cause They Care About
Picture This:
Your teen arrives at an animal shelter, a little nervous but excited. Within minutes, they’re walking a playful dog, talking to other volunteers, and feeling a sense of purpose. By the end of the day, they’re smiling—knowing they made a difference.
Volunteering is a fantastic way for teens to connect with others while developing a sense of purpose. It gives them a chance to engage with their community and meet people who share similar values.
Great volunteering opportunities include:
- Animal shelters – Helping with pet care, cleaning, or adoption events.
- Food banks & soup kitchens – Assisting in meal distribution for those in need.
- Community gardens – Learning about sustainability while working with others.
- Summer camps or libraries – Reading to younger kids or assisting with activities.
🔹 How You Can Help: Research local volunteer programs and help your teen find one that matches their interests. Many organizations welcome teen volunteers and provide opportunities to build skills and connections.
3. Plan Family Adventures That Include Social Opportunities
Picture This:
Your teen starts off reluctant to join a family hiking trip, expecting it to be boring. But once there, they end up meeting another teen along the trail, and they start chatting about their favorite music. By the end of the day, they’re exchanging social media handles and planning to meet up again.
Sometimes, family activities can unexpectedly lead to social connections. Whether it’s a trip to a new town, a camping weekend, or visiting a museum, these outings can naturally create situations where your teen meets others and feels more engaged.
🔹 How You Can Help: Choose activities that align with your teen’s interests but also encourage meeting new people—such as group tours, workshops, or interactive experiences.
4. Support Their Interests in Online Communities (The Right Way!)
Picture This:
Your teen joins an online photography group, where they share their latest pictures and get encouraging feedback from others. Soon, they’re messaging with a few like-minded teens, discussing tips and planning virtual challenges together.
While too much screen time can be isolating, engaging in the right kind of online communities can help teens find friendships and support. If in-person socializing feels overwhelming, starting with a shared online space can be a positive step.
Some safe and creative online spaces include:
- Hobby-based forums (writing, art, gaming, coding)
- Teen-focused Discord servers or Facebook groups
- Language exchange apps to chat with teens from different countries
- Virtual summer camps that encourage social interaction
🔹 How You Can Help: Help your teen find positive, moderated communities where they can safely interact. Encourage them to engage in discussions rather than just scroll passively.
5. Get Them Moving with Group Sports or Outdoor Activities
Picture This:
Your teen, who usually prefers staying indoors, reluctantly agrees to try a beach volleyball session. At first, they’re shy, but soon, they’re laughing and diving for the ball alongside new teammates. By the end of the game, they’ve made a few friends and want to come back next week.
Physical activity is a powerful mood booster and a great way to make social connections. Whether your teen is athletic or not, there are fun outdoor activities that can encourage engagement.
Some ideas include:
- Recreational sports leagues (soccer, basketball, volleyball, etc.)
- Group hikes or nature walks
- Beach or park fitness meetups
- Outdoor yoga or dance classes
🔹 How You Can Help: Encourage your teen to try at least one low-pressure, group-based physical activity. Many local programs allow drop-in participation so they can test the waters before committing.
6. Help Them Organize Small Social Gatherings
Picture This:
Your teen nervously texts a few classmates to see if they want to have a casual movie night at your house. To their surprise, several say yes. Soon, your living room is filled with laughter, popcorn, and a new sense of belonging.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little push to initiate social interactions. If your teen is feeling lonely, they may assume that others are too busy—but in reality, many teens are also looking for ways to connect.
Easy, low-pressure gatherings could include:
- A backyard picnic or bonfire night
- A game night with board games or video games
- A DIY craft or baking session
- A casual sports day at the park
🔹 How You Can Help: Encourage your teen to reach out and invite a few peers over for a relaxed, no-pressure activity. Sometimes, they just need reassurance that it’s okay to take the first step.
Helping Your Teen Make the Most of Summer
Loneliness doesn’t have to define your teen’s summer. With the right encouragement and opportunities, they can build meaningful connections, explore new interests, and grow in confidence.
As a parent, your role is to gently guide and support without forcing them into uncomfortable situations. By offering options, encouraging small steps, and validating their feelings, you can help them turn a lonely summer into one filled with growth, friendships, and joy.
