Summertime is the Perfect Time for Teens to Build Grit
Time away from the structure and rigidity of classroom learning means free time to explore, take risks and push boundaries. Summer offers students not just free time, but time to build mental toughness. Ripe with exciting new experiences that build perseverance, resilience and grit, summer can be life changing.
Here’s 5 Tried and True Tips on Grit Building:
- Practice an ‘Optimistic Mindset’
Grit or mental toughness is all about mindset. Embrace a ‘can-do’ mindset when doing something different where trying, failing and trying again is the whole point. In a lower pressure summer environment without grades or scores the stakes are minimalized. Teens feel freer to balance risk taking versus reward. A more optimistic mindset results in obstacles conquered and challenges overcome.
- Get Outside Where Adventure Awaits
Pushing physical boundaries teaches teens they have what it takes to do things they may not have thought possible. Engaging in outdoor adventure or sports, if you fall you must get back up and try, try again. Resilience is built from persevering and confidence is gained. What’s more, spending time outdoors in some form of nature fosters a positive mindset while reducing stress and anxiety.
- Take on Real Responsibility that Impacts Others
Teens need to know that what they do matters; not only to themselves but as part of a community. Being part of a summer community where a shared sense of give and take is encouraged and valued shifts a teen’s perspective from that of self-interest to contributor. Service opportunities, summer creative projects and shared living alongside others in a camp cabin, dorm or tent provide an ideal environment for teens to both support each other while also being dependent upon one another. Mental toughness often comes from knowing you have a responsibility to more than only oneself.
- Let ‘Low-Stakes’ Struggles Play Out
In the face of life’s everyday little adversities, teens will need to resort to their problem-solving skills to handle issues. Presumably in a summer camp or program away from the watchful eye of teachers and parents, teens will hone critical thinking and sharpen social skills while navigating small frustrations. Trial and error resulting in conflict resolution has the power of teaching teens that they are capable of more than they thought.
- Let Screen Time be Past Time
Summer sun should brighten your teen’s days while leaving the glare of tech behind. High quality, in person connectivity is crucial for social confidence, organizational skills, self- worth and yes, grit.
Set your teen up for success this summer. Reach out to a Tips Advisor to learn about overnight camps, trips and academic summer programs specifically designed to build these skills.
Stay tuned for part two in our blog series of purposeful summer programs for teens….
