Neither play nor personal interests are the only paths to a meaningful summer. Work, whether paid or volunteer, can expose teens to a slice of life that builds social skills and work habits. Examples of volunteer activities include helping at a shelter or daycare center, working with Habitat for Humanity, or working in efforts to improve the environment.
If your teen takes on a volunteer project, caution him to follow through. Just because he isn't getting paid does not mean that he can dodge the job he promised to do. Work also can focus a teen's outlook on the future by providing a close look at a profession or work setting and helping develop good habits in managing money.
Time off from school presents a chance to tap into a youth's interests or to inspire new ones. By getting involved, parents can help teens see beyond their daily lives and surroundings. Such views open a window to the future.
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What would you like to do this summer to make the most of your time away from school?
What three things-even ones that seem kind of silly or that "no one else" is doing or that look too hard to learn-would be interesting to try? (Get a head start by researching magazines, the library, or the Web together to explore possibilities that your child hasn't discussed before-crafts, art, music, dance, sports, nature studies, Web design, graphic arts-the possibilities are endless. Community centers, colleges, recreation departments, and faith centers may offer free or inexpensive programs.)
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National Families in Action, last referenced 6/7/2006.
The National Parenting Center, last referenced 6/7/2006.
Parents. The Anti-Drug, last referenced 6/7/2006.
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