What do you teens do with themselves over the school holidays?

[JustlookingNotbuying]

I do quite like the summers holidays as it’s not such a mad rush in the mornings but I wonder if 6 weeks is too long for older kids.
My 14 year old dd has a few friends but they are either on holiday, visiting the other parent in different parts of the country or out with family on day outs etc.
When my dc were little they spent time with grandparents, at the park and played for hours in the garden but now dd is that bit older she’s just hanging around at home which will be particularly tough from now as our darling dog passed away on Monday and she would normally walk him and spend time with him whilst I was a work, she is really struggling with the grief.
What do your teens do over the 6 weeks?

@dersua They are on screens indoors could be gaming, social media, YouTube or whatever. I mentioned DS football and everything but he did also game. He just loves playing football more and is now in his workplace team.

Mine are quite close in age too - going into year 12 and 13 in September. This makes it much easier I think.

We've been for a week away, they both have part time jobs, see friends for food out, school work for the eldest going into yr 13. We are off to stay with family in London soon.

When they were younger, they would spend some time with grandma. It was definitely more difficult childcare wise, I had to be super prepared.

@BouleBaker My 16 year-old DD got herself a job at a restaurant/bar where she brings drinks and food to customers, and clears tables. Many of the people she works with are also teens/young adults so she has found some new friendships there as well as earning some money. We live in a fairly large town so we are lucky to have lots of options for youngsters looking for work. Much harder I imagine if you live in a village or a smaller town.

I’m quite surprised to see posters saying that they don’t see youngsters hanging out in groups outside any more. We have a lot of that going on here. Mind you, we have had consistently warm, dry weather pretty much all summer and we have some lovely open spaces (beach and parks) where they can chill out. I often see group in parks playing footie together or otherwise just relaxing, listening to music, having picnics etc. ( No doubt some are drinking and getting up to mischief, but the vast majority are well-behaved and not causing any trouble).

We don't where I am purely because the park has become a hive of muggings and bike theft so the other kids swerve it. We have a little parade of shops but it's got it's issues too, lots of kids on mopeds and hanging outside one of the questionable burger bars being abusive to people.

It's a shame as I loved going out with my mates but mine won't go anywhere near it

14yo DS here.

He's an only so quite happy in his own company, but he's been out with his Nan, had friends to play in the garden, played football, gone to the beach, gone to get autographs from our football club players.

Been on his PlayStation A LOT!

Watched a bit of telly

He is still happy to come out with me on my 2 afternoons off or with me and his Dad at weekends

@ReformedWaywardTeen that’s such a shame. I’m feeling very lucky to live somewhere where the teens can stay safe and have fun out and about. Saying that, there was a horrendous violent crime in one of our local parks a couple of years ago, so it does happen but is rare.

Thanks all, reassuring to know that many teens are similar to dd.
Although we ended up having a shit week as our darling dog passed away so dd has been very low and not wanting to go anywhere.
Im going to encourage her to get out and about as much as possible next week to keep her mind off things.

Is your Dc doing a free online course for touch typing. If so, would you mind sharing which one?

@aDayattheLido school recommended English Type which costs about £30 but DD is currently using Type Club which is free and seems fine!

My teen is ND and prefers for me to take her to places. She’s lots of friends but won’t engage on social media with them to arrange days out. Did try one day with another ND friend who cancelled. Youngest is NT and doesn’t want to come out with me much as she prefers to be able to go out and meet her friend. I’ve given her more freedoms than I did the eldest but that was probably as she was in the lockdown time of being able to go out but restrictions prevented it mostly.

Teen literally just watching tv series and scrolling TikTok, in her room. She’s at camp needy week which will be good for her - her voice as it’s an activity she chooses.

Younger - either FaceTiming friends to play switch/iPad games, being creative on her devices, sewing, knitting, playing out with friend. She also enjoys spending money she doesn’t have.

Did an exchange first week and then exchange student came here for a week. Trips to see grandparent, staying with friends family in the cottage for a few days, more camping and trips to cinema, shops. Otherwise all loafing about with books and screens.

17 yr old son is HE, so still studies throughout holidays to keep up routine, he is teacher and student and organises his own rota, he also works part time and works out almost daily, as well as looking after pets and reptiles, he' s lovely company for me.