School is out! These are the words many kids long to hear. Free from homework, tests, getting up early, or keeping up with scheduled activities, students may look forward to a summer of taking it slow, sleeping late, and hanging out with friends. Taking a break is healthy and refreshing for teens, yet relaxing can grow dull quickly. That's when your help and encouragement can go a long way toward helping your child find interesting things to do.

Knowing the Risks of an Idle Summer

Guarding against teen drug use is a year-round concern for parents, but risks increase during the summer-especially when too much free time leads to boredom. With time on their hands, restless teens may fill the void with unhealthy and risky activities such as alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drug use.

Coming Up With a Plan

What can you do to make sure that your teen has a good summer? You can start by making sure that your teen is occupied and supervised. However, a bit of planning can turn summer from an exercise in killing time into a chance to learn and grow while still having fun.

What are your child's interests-sports, music, art, cameras, cars, computers, children, or animals? Does he want to learn new skills or help others? Whether your teen wants to be outside or stay indoors, get physical or exercise his mind, he has plenty of choices.

A teen with a clear interest such as creative arts or a sport simply may need approval and help in finding an outlet such as a league, club, community group, or studio. Some kids may hesitate to try something new. They may be unsure of their ability or what their friends would think. Some teens may not know what they would like to do.

Shop for Choices

No matter which of these descriptions fits your teen, you can ask questions, suggest ideas, and voice approval to prompt your teen to get going. Shop for choices-check newspapers and Web sites for ads and announcements. Park and recreation centers, colleges, civic groups, and faith centers are some places to start. Parents can help a reluctant teen by urging her to think for herself or by going with her to check out a new activity; consider taking one of her friends along.

What if your teen doesn't embrace any single idea for summer enrichment? That's okay-a fruitful summer does not require one big idea. With parents' help, youth can sample an array of activities to stir their curiosity. New experiences may involve getting out of your town or neighborhood. Going with a child to enjoy nature, listen to music, or look at art provides a chance to share views and to consider meanings and possibilities that can deepen your relationship.

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