Building Confidence in Real Life: 7 Summer Activities That Actually Work

Summer is more than just a break, it’s a window. A chance for tweens and teens to grow, stretch, and build confidence in ways that school schedules don’t always allow. But let’s be honest: confidence doesn’t come from sitting at home on a screen or hearing “You’re amazing!” 24/7. It’s built through doing, trying, failing, and getting back up again.

I’m Dr. Charnetta, Board-Certified Pediatrician, Communication Strategist, Parent & Teen Coach and I’m deeply passionate about helping families thrive during the wild, wonderful journey of raising tweens and teens. I’ve seen this firsthand: confidence grows stronger when we give our kids tools, space, and purpose…not pressure.

Here are 7 summer activities that truly support confidence-building in tweens and teens, and why they work.

1. Journaling with Purpose

Why it works: Writing gives teens a way to process thoughts and reflect on their identity - something the adolescent brain is deeply focused on.

Try this: A daily confidence journal prompt like: “Three things I’m proud of this week” or “One thing I handled better than expected.”

Want to make it easy? Download my Write Through It Journal for tween and teen girls.

2. Mirror Talk (Affirmations that Stick)

Why it works: Repeating positive self-talk while looking in the mirror activates self-perception pathways in the brain. It’s awkward at first, but powerful over time.

Try this: Encourage them to say: 

• “I’m learning to like who I am.” 

• “I’m allowed to grow at my own pace.” 

• “I don’t have to be perfect to be proud of myself.”

Grab our free Mirror Talk Affirmations Printable to post right on the mirror.

3. Volunteering with a Purpose

Why it works: Confidence grows when tweens and teens feel useful. Helping others builds competence and reinforces social belonging - a key developmental need.

Try this: Look for short-term opportunities at animal shelters, camps, libraries, or food banks. Even a few hours a week can shift their mindset from “I don’t matter” to “I can make a difference.”

4. A First Job or Gig

Why it works: Whether it’s dog walking, babysitting, or a formal summer job, responsibility builds confidence. Earning their own money boosts self-efficacy (aka the belief that “I can handle things.”)

Pro tip: It doesn’t have to be big. Small jobs teach big lessons.

5. A Creative Project (Just for Them)

Why it works: Creative expression gives teens autonomy, reduces stress, and helps them explore their identity. All of that supports emotional resilience—and confidence.

Try this: Help them pick a summer project like making a vision board, writing a short story, painting a mural, or launching a hobby Instagram page.

6. Movement Without the Pressure

Why it works: Movement changes the chemistry of the brain—reducing stress hormones, improving mood, and strengthening body image. But it doesn’t have to be about “working out.”

Try this: Encourage biking, swimming, long walks while listening to music, or dancing in their room. Movement for joy = confidence for life.

7. One-on-One Connection with You

Why it works: Teens may pull away, but deep down, they still need connection with you. Confidence is reinforced when they feel seen, heard, and emotionally safe.

Try this: Set a “chill and chat” ritual once a week: ice cream walks, late-night talks, car rides with music. No advice. Just presence.

You don’t need to fill every summer day with productivity or perfection. What your teen needs most is space to explore who they are without judgment, and with your steady belief in them. Confidence doesn’t come all at once. It comes in moments where they feel capable, connected, and unconditionally supported.

👉 Want a done-for-you way to start?

 Download our FREE Mirror Talk Affirmations, or grab the Write Through It Journal and give your teen the confidence-building summer they deserve.