Summer is here, and your teen is getting ready to get out of school or already is. This is a time filled with excitement for kids and
unease for parents. Most parents have to work all day, with the exception of a vacation in the middle of summer, which means most kids are left to their own devices while parents are away.

This is a time when a lot of kids get into trouble because they are "bored," or they plop themselves in front of the computer or t.v. and the only activity they partake in is changing the channel or playing games. Education.com states, "more teens try marijuana for the first time during the summer months than any other time of year."

Here are some suggestions on how to make sure your teen is staying active and out of trouble:

Sports: Have your teen join a summer sports team. This can be done in combination with the options listed above. Maybe they can even coach younger kids. People often overlook the benefits of partaking in sports. One big benefit is your teen learns team work and collaborative skills, which we all know is a necessary part of growing up. It's fun! It's summer time and your teen has been looking forward to having some fun; so while work is a good option this allows your teen to have some fun on the side as well. Another added benefit is sports encourage a healthy life style. There is a variety to choose from, your teen can be part of a dance team or play ultimate Frisbee or any of the other traditional sports out there. There is also the possibility of a sports scholarship if your teen does well and enjoys the sport they take up.

Volunteer work: This is a great way to have your teen involved in the community and meeting new positive people, and there is never a shortage of organizations looking for help. This is also another thing your teen can put on a resume or college application. Volunteer work can also aid in opening your teens eyes to how fortunate they are and move them from entitlement and teach gratitude.

Try something new: Ask your teen to make a list of things they have always wanted to do but haven't been able too. Some examples might be, learn about photography or how to paint, perform poetry, or go rock climbing. Look for summer programs in your area that would teach them these skills. This will allow them a positive outlet and enable them to learn to try new things. Your teen will appreciate that you are showing interest in them and allowing them to choose something they would like to do.

Summer job: This will teach them responsibility; accountability and build up their resume which will be looked at positively by colleges and future employers and keep them busy for a better part of the day. You can also use this opportunity to teach them money management skills.

Summer Camp: Look into summer camps in your area. They might even be able to be a camp leader or mentor. This will teach much needed leadership skills and also look good on a resume or college application. Your teen might find they really enjoy the experience and want to continue to do it in summers to come.

About the Author:
Charles Elias is the founder of PRN For Families in Snowmass Village, CO. PRN For Families™ offers customized programming unique to specific family situations. Services for the family include Family Preservation Services for students who have never left home, Family Reunification, Home from School (Therapeutic Support for high risk students/families in traditional schools and at home during school breaks), Networking Services, Emancipation/ Life skills Training, Supervised Living Situations, Family Assessments, Parenting Strategies/ Support (Love and Logic Model), Communication Skills Training, Behavior Management Techniques, School Interventions, Relapse Prevention, Random Drug Testing, Case Management/Consultation, and Concrete and Advocacy Services. To contact Charles, call 888-762-5973, email celias@prnforfamilies.com, or visit www.prnforfamilies.com.