August 12 marks International Youth Day, a time to recognize the unique experiences, strengths, and challenges of young people. As summer continues, it is also an opportunity to think about how we can support youth mental wellness through something that remains important at every age: play and connection.
When we think about play, we often picture young children building forts, exploring playgrounds, or playing make-believe. Yet play remains an important part of life during the teenage years and beyond. It helps reduce stress, build relationships, create opportunities for learning, and support mental wellbeing.
The challenge is that play simply looks different as children grow. As parents and caregivers, we may no longer be invited to join every activity, but one of the most powerful ways we can support young people is by responding when they reach out to connect.
For a teenager, play might be swimming at the pool, shooting hoops in the driveway, going for a bike ride, playing video games, creating music, skateboarding, watching a movie together, playing cards, tossing a football, or laughing over funny videos. While these activities may not always look productive to adults, they provide opportunities for enjoyment, social connection, and stress relief.
Relationship experts Drs. John and Julie Gottman describe these moments as “bids for connection” small attempts to gain attention, share an experience, or connect with someone they care about. A teenager who wants to show you a video, share a meme, talk about a video game, or tell you a story about their day is often making a bid for connection.
Even when the topic doesn’t interest us, the relationship does.
Watching the short video they bring you, listening to them explain their favourite game, taking a walk together, going for ice cream, playing catch, or simply sitting together while they talk can strengthen your connection and remind them that they matter.
As August progresses, some youth may also begin thinking about the return to school. Excitement about seeing friends may come alongside worries about classes, sports, social pressures, or major milestones like starting high school or entering Grade 12. These mixed feelings are normal.
One of the best ways to support youth during times of transition is to stay connected. We don’t need to have all the answers or fix every worry. Sometimes being present, having fun together, and responding to those everyday bids for connection is enough.
This summer, don’t underestimate the value of a shared laugh, a walk around the block, or a conversation sparked by a meme. For teenagers, play and connection still matter—and the relationships built through those simple moments can have a lasting impact on their wellbeing.