Summer-CollegeYes, they’re big enough to be on their own. Yet, they’re still home. You know your time having them home is limited.

No matter whether they are working, home between college semesters, or just trying to figure out what to do with their life, here are 10 summer activities you can do with your young adult who is still at home.

1) Coffee. Take time with your young adult one-on-one when you can. Talk about things they’re thinking about. Ask questions. Resist the urge to lecture. Listen well and enjoy the budding adult sitting before you.

2) Cook Dinner Together. Make meal prep a community event. Your young adult needs to know how to cook so there’s no better way to teach them than doing it side by side. Be patient, grace-filled and lighthearted as you work together.

3) Games. When they are home suggest a game of Life, Settlers of Cataan, Yachtzee, Euchre, or whatever game your family loves. Take advantage of summer days where the sun goes down later and homework isn’t calling.

4) Porch. Sit out in the yard or on your porch after dinner and read. Invite your young adult to join you. They may not choose to read, but might instead sit down and talk. Take whatever you can get. If they choose not to join you at all, that’s ok. Remember they’re still watching you and how you use your time does influence them.

5) Dialogue. You’ve taught your kids your values for 18 years. Now they are figuring out what to do with what you’ve taught them and the values they are developing themselves. It’s time to move from monologue to dialogue. Instead of telling you what you think, ask them what they think. Instead of lecturing, listen.  You may not get large doses of conversation, but watch for opportunities for connection and capitalize on those moments.

6) Shop. Let your young adult do some grocery shopping for you. Make a list, walk them through specifics on the list, and let them experience the store on their own. They might call you ten times during their trip, but they are learning important skills as they shop on their own.

7. Plan a trip together. Whether it’s a day trip, a long weekend, or a family vacation, let your young adult be part of the planning. Let them weigh in on things they’d like to do or people they’d like to see. If your teen has a summer job, be prepared for the possibility they might choose to not participate or participate in a limited way.  This is part of letting them have wings to fly.

8. Geocaching. Kids and adults enjoy geocaching. It’s something you can do in your own hometown or as you travel somewhere.  You’ll find details on how to do it at www.geocaching.com/guide.

9. Bible. If your young adult is open to it, suggest you each read a book of the Bible on your own and then do coffee or a lunch out to discuss what you learned. Some great short books to read are James, I Peter, II Peter, Philippians, I and II Timothy.

10. Hometown tour. What is available where you live that you’ve never done before? Museums, sporting events, restaurants, stores, shops?  Take a day to pretend you’re a tourist where you live and explore some places you’ve never explored before. Invite your young adult to join you!

What about you? What would you add to this list? 

(If you’re here for the first time, you can get regular mom encouragement  in your inbox. It’s free! Sign up below!)  

Want regular encouragement?

Subscribe to get Jill's latest content by email.


(You can view our privacy policy here.)

Powered by ConvertKit