Why is My Teen Acting Out Near the End of the School Year?

As the school year comes to a close, one of the most common things we see is teenagers struggling to keep up with homework, apply themselves in class, and in general managing their own behaviors. This is a very common phenomenon, and seems to begin just as the weather warms and the end of the school year approaches. So the question is, for many parents, why is my teen acting out as we approach the end of the school year? There can be many different reasons for this that depend on the teen, but there are several patterns as well that we observe repeatedly every year. 

One of the first reasons and most common reasons that we see a shift in behavior towards the end of the year has to do with teens ability to appreciate long-term goals and delayed gratification. In general, delayed gratification is difficult for teens and young adults, because it is the purview of the prefrontal cortex, which is not fully developed. The idea that holding off on something we enjoy for something even better in the future requires a level of abstract thought and understanding of the future that Most teens just don't have. It's very difficult to wait for something that feels very far away and doesn't feel like I guarantee, when you could have something that you want right now. As the end of the school year approaches, teens intellectually understand that they are almost done with their school responsibilities and become more and more excited for the upcoming breaks. This excitement contrasts with their potential frustration and exhaustion with school as it has been, and make some more eager for a break than they would be otherwise. Because they aren't strong and delayed gratification, meetings end up taking this break whether it's a good idea or not, before the summer. This results in seeing a significant increase in missed homework and poor grades as teenagers struggle to continue to apply themselves during this time. 

Another common reason additionally has to do with the weather. As it gets warmer most teens are given sudden access to distractions and other enjoyable activities that they haven't had access to in months. This can also mean the lifting of seasonal related depression for many teens. This dramatic shift in both how they feel and what is available to them can create a strong drive to engage in other activities and do what they want. The urge to engage in fun things can be overwhelming and wears thin the self-control that most teens already struggle with. 

There are many other reasons that can affect individuals on a case-by-case basis, but the overall experience of teens acting out and struggling with self-control during the warmer months and towards the end of the school year is a common one. It is as difficult often for the teenager as it is for the parent, and teens during this time can benefit from empathy and support as well as structure. If you have questions about how you can help your teen through this period of time, please feel free to reach out to Mindful Healing.