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Summer: Time for Teens to get Busy
My name is
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 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.
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.
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. A bit of planning can
turn summer 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 simply may need approval and help in finding an
outlet such as a league, club, or community group. Some kids may hesitate to try
something new. They may be unsure of their ability or not know what they would
like to do. With parents’ help, youth can sample an array of activities. Get a
head start by researching the library or the Web together to explore
possibilities that your child hasn’t discussed before. Community centers,
recreation departments, and faith centers may offer free or inexpensive
programs.
New
experiences may involve going with your teen 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.
Neither
play nor personal interests are the only paths to a meaningful summer. Work,
whether paid or volunteer, can build social skills and work habits. Examples of
volunteer activities include helping at the senior center or daycare center, or
working in efforts to improve the environment.
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.
The Kittitas County
Community Network/Drug Free Communities Coalition and the Community Network
agency, through a federal Drug Free Communities grant, are implementing the
“Start Talking Before They Start Drinking” campaign as a community service for
parents. For more information go to
www.kccn-dfc.com.
