by Claire Lancaster (Programme Design Associate) National Citizen Service

Build meaningful connections

Build meaningful connections

It can be hard knowing how to support your teen as they transition to adulthood. Society these days puts a lot of pressure on young people to get good results and stand out from the crowd through their extracurricular activities. It’s no wonder then, that when faced with a 6 week summer break, 16 and 17 year olds are turning towards Netflix and Instagram to relax.

As parents, it’s important we do our best to keep young people motivated and learning throughout the summer.

So what can we teach our young people outside of the classroom this summer?

Develop your life skills - Whether it’s cooking, budgeting, public speaking or first aid, it’s important to encourage young people to continue learning outside of school. Encourage your teen to challenge themselves throughout the summer by developing skills that will help them progress in areas of their life outside of the classroom.

Build meaningful connections - Life is all about building meaningful connections. It’s important for young people to continue mixing socially beyond their local schools and communities. Summer programmes like the National Citizen Service (NCS), which are designed to bring together young people from all backgrounds for a shared experience, are a great way to encourage teens to meet new people, build confidence and push themselves out of their comfort zone.

Be an active citizen - Especially in urban areas, the idea of being part of a local community can seem outdated. It’s becoming increasingly easy to keep your head down and focus on your own life, rather than those of people around you. Encouraging young people to volunteer at local charities, public services and local businesses can be a great way to inspire them to become more active and engaged in their communities.

Have a hobby - hobbies play a huge part in making us unique, and in many cases can be a great way to stand out from the crowd when applying to jobs or university. Whether it’s learning an instrument, painting, playing a sport or directing a play, it’s important for young people to continue developing their strengths and creativity outside of the classroom.

Explore - They say travel broadens the mind, but a trip doesn’t have to involve a passport and a plane ticket to make an impact. Encourage your teen to go somewhere they’ve never been before; whether it’s to a local art gallery, a neighbouring village or the science museum, it’s the perfect time to explore your area and have a go at something new.

Providing your teen with as many opportunities to encounter life-enhancing experiences as possible is a great way way to build life skills and equip them for the future.

To find out more about NCS and sign up, go to www.ncsyes.co.uk.

About NCS

NCS is a government backed programme established to help build a more cohesive, mobile and engaged society. By bringing together 16 and 17 year olds from different backgrounds over two to four weeks for a unique shared experience, NCS helps them to become better individuals, and in turn better citizens. It costs participants just £50 or less to take part in NCS and bursaries are available on a case-by-case basis. Support is provided for young people with additional needs.


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