As summer days fade into memory and the school year ramps up, teens often face the challenge of readjusting to the structured environment of being back in school. For many, the transition from the freedom of summer to the demands of school can be stressful and, if not managed properly, can lead to negative behaviors, feeling overwhelmed or even burnout. The truth of the matter is that teens have a lot less control and say in how they spend their days. They get up, go to school, participate in sports, jobs, or other afterschool activities, and then complete their homework – just to rinse and repeat the following day. No wonder they are so exhausted! If they don’t have a healthy outlet, they may turn to other sources of escape, like substance abuse, to manage their stress. One of the most effective ways to help your teen navigate this period and stay out of trouble is by encouraging them to find a healthy outlet in an afterschool activity, particularly if they don’t already engage in one.

The Benefits of Afterschool Activities

Physical and Mental Health: Afterschool activities offer an excellent way for teens to blow off steam and manage the stress that comes with school. Physical exercise is well-known for its mental health benefits, including reducing anxiety, improving mood, and boosting self-esteem. But it’s not just sports that can have a positive impact. Creative clubs like art, music, or theater also teach students about essential emotional skills to help them express themselves and process their feelings in a conducive way.

Community and Social Connection: Being part of an afterschool club or team fosters a sense of belonging and community. For teens, these social connections are crucial. They not only help prevent teens from being alone but also promote positive peer interactions. Through these activities, teens can build friendships with like-minded peers as well as find mentorship from adults who share their interests. This sense of community can be a powerful factor in keeping teens on the right track.

Skill Development and Personal Growth: Whether it’s learning to work as part of a team in a sport, developing discipline through consistent practice in music, or taking on a leadership role in a club, these activities help teens develop important life skills. They also help teens discover and cultivate new passions, which can be incredibly fulfilling and motivating.

Finding the Right Fit: Ensuring Your Teen’s Enjoyment

Understanding Your Teen’s Interests: To truly benefit from afterschool activities, it’s important that your teen is engaged in something they enjoy. Start by having open conversations with your teen about their interests. What are they passionate about? What new activities might they be curious to try? Involving them in the decision-making process ensures that the activity they choose resonates with them, making it more likely they’ll stick with it.

Encouraging Exploration: Encourage your teen to explore a variety of interests. Sometimes, finding the right fit takes a bit of trial and error. Support them in trying new things, even if it means stepping outside their comfort zone. Whether it’s a sport they’ve never played or a club they’ve never considered, trying different activities can lead to the discovery of a true passion.

Avoiding Overcommitment: It’s easy to want to encourage your teen to get involved in as many activities as possible. It looks good on college applications and can be a fun way for them to make friends who share similar interests, however, research shows that packing your teen’s schedule can work against them. With so much already on their plates, piling on a plethora of extra activities and commitments can turn something enjoyable into an obligation, which can add to their stress. How can we, as parents, help them have more “me time”? Let them pick the activity or sport that they are interested in and check in with them consistently to make sure they are still enjoying it and aren’t feeling burnt out. This also helps them strengthen their own abilities to navigate their responsibilities and set boundaries when feeling overwhelmed.

Let’s face it, school can be stressful for our teens. Although we can’t take all the stress off their shoulders, helping them find an engaging, healthy outlet can make a big difference in their everyday happiness. In an environment where so much of their time and energy is devoted to doing what they are told to do, this is the moment to flip the dynamic and empower them to explore their own interests. While this can be a great source of reprieve for them, it’s also an opportunity for you to learn more about your teen and bond with them over new interests and hobbies.