Summer often represents a time of freedom from school and life stress. However, it can also be a time of anxiety for families, especially when adolescents struggle with mental and behavioral health. Fortunately, family therapy activities for summer can improve communication, promote positive attitudes, and create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and understood. Adolescent family therapy programs recommend the following activities to strengthen family bonds and improve mental and behavioral health.
5 Family Therapy Activities to Do This Summer
Family therapy games and activities for summer can be an effective and enjoyable way to strengthen family bonds, promote positive communication, and create an atmosphere of understanding and support. By incorporating these adolescent therapy activities into family routines, families can improve their mental and behavioral health and enjoy the summer season to the fullest.
1. Create a Time Capsule
Creating a time capsule can be a fun and meaningful activity for families to celebrate their present, past, and future. You can gather items representing each family member, such as photographs, artwork, letters, and personal objects. After gathering the items, place them in a container and bury them in a designated spot. In the future, the family can revisit the time capsule to reminisce and appreciate the changes and growth over time.
This activity can promote communication and understanding among family members as they share their items and stories. It can also provide a sense of hope that reminds them that things will change and improve.
2. Plan a Family Picnic
A family picnic is a classic summer activity that brings great joy and happiness. This activity can involve all family members, including adolescents, allowing them to enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed and open environment.
While planning a family picnic, encourage all family members to contribute ideas for what they would like to bring and where they would like to go. This can help promote teamwork, communication, and a sense of shared responsibility. During the picnic, encourage conversation and limit distractions like phones or electronic devices to allow for meaningful interaction.
3. Play Family Therapy Games
Playing family therapy games can be an effective way to promote positive communication and teamwork, and it can also be a fun way to bond with family members. Some examples of family therapy games include “I Spy,” “Back to Back Drawing,” and “Charades.”
These games can be played in a group or individually, providing opportunities for family members to express their feelings, thoughts, and opinions in a safe and supportive environment. Adolescents can also benefit from playing these games, as they can practice social skills and learn how to communicate effectively with others.
4. Volunteering as a Family
Volunteering as a family can be a powerful and rewarding experience that can provide opportunities for family members to connect and the community. This activity can involve various options, such as working in a local food bank, caring for animals in animal shelters, or participating in community service projects.
Volunteering as a family can promote feelings of empathy, gratitude, and social responsibility and provide a sense of purpose and meaning. This activity can also provide opportunities for adolescents to develop important life skills, such as leadership, empathy, and teamwork.
5. Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor adventures can be a fun and exciting way to bond as a family and improve mental and behavioral health. This activity can involve hikes, camping, fishing, swimming, and other outings accessible and safe for all family members.
Outdoor adventures can provide opportunities for family members to connect with nature, promote physical activity, and reduce stress and anxiety. This activity can also provide opportunities for adolescents to develop new skills and interests and a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.
Find an Adolescent Family Therapy Program at Imagine Seattle
At Imagine Seattle, we offer various mental and behavioral health services that can support adolescent family therapy activities. Our PHP, IOP, group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, trauma-informed care, CBT, medication management, and educational advocacy can promote positive changes and improvements in mental and behavioral health. Please get in touch with us at 888.346.0473 or online to learn more about our services.