Summertime and the living is easy, or is it? The summer months are often a time of great frustration for parents who want their teens engaged in positive activities instead of spending the summer on the couch watching television, playing video games and talking with their friends nonstop 24-hours a day. Many parents feel guilty because they can’t be home on a daily basis with their teen during the summer months simply because they must work.
However, the summer months can become a very productive time for teens, as you encourage them to volunteer their time and talents around the community. Helping others can make a big difference in your teenager’s life.
According to the Child Trends Databank, teens that volunteer are less likely to use drugs and drink alcohol. And learning to volunteer early in life helps develop strong work ethics and a sense of community through giving back to their community.
Here’s where your influence comes in. Teens need to be taught how to volunteer. First, talk to your teen about their strengths and interests. Encourage them to find something they like to do. Is there a community nonprofit they feel compelled to support or a specific cause they may be passionate about?
A number of volunteer opportunities abound in Santa Clarita. Your teen might enjoy working for the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry, or the American Red Cross. Sometimes local hospitals and libraries need teen volunteers. And if your teen, is an animal lover, the Placerita Nature Center, an animal shelter or rescue group may be the perfect place for them.
It’s then your teen’s responsibility to contact the agency they wish to volunteer for. This is a great learning tool, because the process is similar to applying for and interviewing for a job. Here’s your opportunity to teach interviewing skills, proper dress etiquette, as well as the importance of arriving on time and taking given responsibilities seriously.
This summer, show your teen how to make his time ‘off’ really count.
Cary Quashen is a high-risk teen counselor and the president and founder of the ACTION Parent & Teen Support Group Programs. ACTION Parent & Teen Support Group Programs meet every Tuesday at Canyon High School in the A Building. Quashen may be reached by calling 800-367-8336.