Before we know it, summer will be over and the first day of school will sneak up, so make the best of the next few months and try to keep cool in the summer sun.
Get a Job
One of the easiest and best ways for teens to spend their time over the summer is for them to get a summer job. Whether it’s lifeguarding or babysitting, a job at a favorite store in the mall, or a part time job at the post office or library, teens with summer jobs are able to earn money while learning about responsibility and work ethics. Teens who can drive have more options- if parents will be driving them, the job’s location becomes more important, especially with gas prices. If there are available jobs in walking distance, teens should be encouraged to apply there first.
Summer Camps
Another popular summer activity for teens is attending summer camp. Camps are geared to specific interests, so teens can take sports camps, arts camps or nature and environmental camps or others. Some camps are day camps, but often you can find excellent residential camp programs for teens, who can learn independent living skills they’ll need in college. Information about summer camps is available from local parks and recreation programs, schools, or by searching online.
Keeping Cool With a Good Book
During the school year, it’s difficult for teens to have time to enjoy a good book. Reading for pleasure is often replaced by reading for school work. So, with temperatures outside soaring, now is a great time to stock up on a nice pile of summer reading at the library or online. There are many great teen reading series, or simply let your teen browse through the library and choose something of interest.
Summer Internships
The summer is also an excellent time for teens to pursue summer internships in their area of interest. Internships are not always set up by colleges and universities- often, teens can pursue internships directly with employers in their field of interest. Whether it is working at a magazine, at an architectural firm, a physician’s office or assisting an electrician, there are many opportunities awaiting enthusiastic teens who show initiative. And let your teens take the lead on this one- finding an internship of interest to them and seeking it out are all part of the learning experience.
Also- don't forget to let them have fun! Going to the beach, swimming at a friend's pool or grabbing snow cones are the things they'll remember fondly as a grown-up!
Read about Parent-Teen Contracts or Healthy Eating Tips for Teens.
