My Kids Have Nothing to Do This Summer. Now What?

This 'Dear Christine' column offers tips for structuring your family's summer during the pandemic

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In Dear Christine, sociologist and coach Christine Carter responds to questions about marriage, parenting, happiness, work, family, and, well, life. Want to submit a question? Email [email protected]

Dear Christine,

Since school ended, my whole family is floundering. We have no summer plans. I’m feeling some pressure to make up for “COVID slump,” but I haven’t a clue how to do so. Neither of my teenagers have summer jobs or internships, and neither is interested in taking an online class. We need to find a purpose this summer—all of us. What, even, is the goal?