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Summer often feels like a well-earned breath of fresh air after a busy school year. While it’s important for teens to rest and recharge, this season also provides a wide-open window for intentional growth—both spiritually and personally.

Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Summer is an opportunity not to simply pass the time, but to purposefully shape your teen’s heart, habits, and faith.

5 Ways to Help Your Teen Make the Most of Summer

1. Build a Rhythm of Rest and Reflection
Encourage downtime that includes soul-rest, not just screen time. Invite your teen into practices like journaling, quiet time with God, or simply reflecting on the year behind and hopes for the year ahead.

Tip: Create a summer devotional plan or weekly reflection night as a family.

2. Set Faith-Centered Goals
Help your teen name a few things they want to grow in—spiritual disciplines, character traits, or even relationships. Let their summer be a time where their faith isn’t paused, but personalized.

Example goals: Memorize one verse a week, lead a devotional for the family, or start a gratitude journal.

3. Create Opportunities to Serve
Summer offers flexibility—use it to serve others. Whether it's a local mission trip, volunteering at church, or helping neighbors, serving grows empathy, perspective, and purpose.

Ask: “Who could we help this week, together or individually?”

4. Plan Purposeful Fun
Fun is not the enemy of growth! In fact, shared joy builds connection. Plan adventures, game nights, or outdoor activities—but bring Jesus into those spaces too through prayer, conversation, or gratitude.

Try: “Highs & Lows + God Sightings” around the fire pit or dinner table.

5. Foster Deeper Conversations
Summer is perfect for long talks. Whether it's over ice cream or during a road trip, don’t waste the moments. Ask heart questions, share your own stories, and invite them to reflect on their identity, dreams, and faith.

Questions like: “What’s something you’ve been learning about God?” or “What do you feel God might be preparing you for?”

Conclusion: A Season That Shapes the Soul

Summer doesn’t have to be aimless or spiritually dry. With just a little intention, it can become one of the most impactful times in your teen’s year. As a parent, you have the privilege of helping them see rest as renewal, fun as formation, and time as a gift.

Make the most of every moment—because this summer can be a season that shapes their soul.

Key Verse:
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” – Ephesians 5:15-16