No Plan? No Problem. How to Help Your Teen Create A Plan This Summer
- Stephanie Haynes
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
It’s not too late to regroup, refocus, and move forward, together.
If your teen is heading into July without a clear plan for what’s next, take a deep breath.
You are not behind. Your teen is not behind.And you absolutely still have time to help them move forward.
In fact, these next few weeks may be the perfect window with the right mindset, a little structure, and the support you both need.
Why Teens Get Stuck in “I Don’t Know” Mode
Before you can help your teen create a plan, it’s important to understand what might be holding them back.
Most teens don’t stall because they’re lazy or unmotivated. They get stuck because they feel:
Afraid of making the wrong choice
Unsure of what’s even out there
Overwhelmed by pressure from parents, peers, or society
Disconnected from the real-world experiences that spark clarity
A lot of teens need space to explore and someone to help them do it without judgment.
What Teens Actually Need From You
You don’t need to map out their whole life.You just need to help them start asking better questions.
Try:
“What’s something you’re curious about this summer?”
“What kind of work or lifestyle seems interesting to you?”
“What’s one thing we could try together to learn more?”
Your role isn’t to provide answers. It’s to offer support, create structure, and let them lead.
Create A Simple Summer Plan That Actually Works
Even if there are only a few weeks left in summer, a short, focused plan can be powerful. The goal isn’t to rush big decisions, it’s to spark forward motion.
Here’s a sample three-week approach:
Week 1: Reflect
Use personality or interest inventories
Talk about what success means to them
Identify what they don’t want as much as what they do
Week 2: Explore
Visit a local career center or college
Try job shadowing or volunteering
Watch career “day in the life” videos together
Week 3: Take Action
Set one realistic goal for the fall (e.g., attend a college info session, apply for a part-time job, research apprenticeships)
Talk through next steps and celebrate the progress made
This kind of short-term planning reduces pressure and builds confidence one step at a time.
Use the Free Summer Planning Guide to Get Started
Want a little help creating structure without overwhelm?
The Summer Planning Toolkit is a free, downloadable resource designed just for parents. It includes:
Weekly check-ins
Simple reflection prompts
Exploration ideas
Encouragement and structure that’s easy to use—even if your teen is reluctant
Download the Free Planning Guide » https://www.stephaniehaynes.net/summer-planning-toolkit
A Final Word of Encouragement
It’s never too late to help your teen create a plan.Even a few intentional steps now can save months of frustration and anxiety later.
Your teen doesn’t need a perfect vision of the future.They just need to believe that forward is possible and to know they’re not doing it alone.
Looking for more? Check out Parent University today!
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