Confidence is not an easy currency to come by. This has been true since we were kids, since our grandparents were kids and long, long before – but it’s truer now than ever, thanks to the ever-churning anxiety-generating world of social media into which all teenagers are invariably enrolled.
There are strong links between social media use and a variety of mental health concerns, from self-doubt to low self-esteem and beyond. As parents, it is on us to provide the support and encouragement our children need to find their feet in an increasingly-unpredictable world. There are various ways to do this, but this author’s thesis is that the great outdoors holds the key to building a level of self-confidence that no algorithm could shake. Here, we’ll look at the various ways that outdoor adventures can help sow the seeds for confidence in your teenagers.
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Teens collection
Why Shared Family Adventures Strengthen Teen Bonds
First and foremost, family vacations are of vital importance for early and adolescent development, above and beyond any concerns relating to low confidence or poor mental health. Adventure travel with your family in tow enables you to practice teamwork, as well as to properly realize the importance of quality time spent together.
You’ll know better than anyone how hard it is to bond with a teenager in a world governed by TikTok; removing the distractions enables you to focus on one another, building a viable relationship from the ground up and hence giving them a kernel of trust to hold on to.
Improving Mental Health Through Nature and Movement
Of course, the reason for your family getaway is more than family time. Spending time outdoors and enjoying fresh air can have profoundly positive impacts on a teen’s mental and emotional well-being; exposure to natural environments reduces stress, boosts mood, and improves attention and focus, particularly in younger minds.
It is your responsibility to act on this truth for your children – and your vacation time is the ideal time to start reinforcing these actions. Next vacation, consider planning for destinations that blend adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Activities like Mont Blanc hiking tours are ideal opportunities to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the world, especially when the views look like that.
Teaching Responsibility, Planning and Independence
Traveling is, as you will know all too well, a logistical headache when family is involved. But those logistics can also be a great teaching moment for your teens; involving them in the financial, logistical, and organizational challenges of booking such a getaway can help them build confidence in their ability to navigate life itself. These experiences translate into stronger independent living skills and greater readiness for life beyond school.
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Teens collection
