Summer break without structure: why your teen feels worse, not better
Many parents expect their teenager to relax and “finally be happy” once school is over, only to see the opposite. With no routine, days blend into nights, motivation drops and mood swings intensify. In online therapy we explore how the loss of structure can feel frightening rather than freeing, especially for anxious or sensitive teens. Together we map out what currently fills their days and which activities actually bring a sense of calm or satisfaction. We then experiment with small anchors in the routine, such as regular wake-up times or planned social contacts, that do not feel like school all over again. We also talk about how to communicate these needs to parents without turning every conversation into a fight about “laziness”. If your teen seems more lost now than during the school year, reserving an online session can help them rebuild a rhythm that fits their nervous system.