HOW TO KEEP YOUR TEENAGER OCCUPIED THIS SUMMER

By Larry Deutsch

	As the school year winds down and temperatures rise, parents of teenagers everywhere prepare for the dog days of summer.  Although many teens enjoy the break from the rigid structure of their school schedule, the lack of activity during this slow season can leave them listless.  For many parents, however, the first great hurdle involves compelling their teenaged son or daughter to disclose their plans at all.  Most teenagers have studied their parents' behavior in depth, understanding their tendencies and weaknesses.  Moreover, they know just what to say in order to maneuver around authority figures.  Teenagers always seem to be on the move and can find ways to make themselves unavailable at the precise moment in which you happen to be looking for them.  

	Learn to communicate with your teen while he or she is on the go.  Tag along on an excursion to earn some quality time with your teenager.  Furthermore, make yourself less predictable by changing your own schedule in order to make more time for interacting with him or her.   
 	
	Particularly if your teen will be away for home during the summer, it is important to establish some guidelines to be followed in your absence, "...teens need parents who are firm but loving.  They need to understand why discipline is important.  They need to have clear limits with clear consequences (with) a balance between supervision and independence." 

VACATION ADVICE

	If you plan to take your teen on a vacation this summer, it's important to consider his or her interests when planning the trip.  Try to create a sense of adventure and excitement about your vacation, keeping in mind that the journey, not just the destination, should be able to hold their interest.  For example, if your teen is the outdoorsy type, try including some camping or hiking on your trip.  If your teen fancies himself or herself a history buff, consider visiting some nearby historical sites.  For teenaged fans of a particular sport, musical genre, or art form, an excursion to their favorite Hall of Fame can generate a great deal of excitement.
	
	You can help your teenager to make some money by suggesting some opportunities for work around the house or even a part-time summer job.  However, try not to push your teen into committing too much of their time during these important formative years.  As an alternative, allow your teen to get involved in the community by encouraging him or her to volunteer their time or talents.  

	Youth In Need, a not-for profit agency serving 4 Missouri counties and the city of St. Louis offers a myriad of volunteer opportunities for teens that wish to get involved with the community.  Students age 12 and up can volunteer as a Head Start classroom assistant, helping out teachers with various projects.  Students age 16 and up can volunteer as a tutor or peer partner with YIN's residential youth programs.
Activities abound, regardless of whether your teen likes to spend his or her time outdoors or indoors, alone or in a group, being creative or being a couch potato.  Good luck!

	Larry Deutsch is the Community Education Director for Youth In Need.  For more information about the organization's programs or about volunteer opportunities for youths, adults, and groups - call (636) 946-0101