by Lucas Brooks

Created on: May 25, 2008   Last Updated: February 06, 2010

One common misconception that many parents are under today is that a teen resting during the summer is a bad thing. As a teen, I could not disagree more. After working my tail off for nine months, I am ready for a break. In fact, if I do not get one soon, I am going to collapse. Yes, it may be good for your typical teen to have a balanced schedule of rest and activity, but trying to force too much activity could prove detrimental and harm your teen as he or she goes to begin school next year. My advice? Find a happy balance that fits both of you.

Believe it or not, finding this balance may be easier then you think. By the time a teenager hits the age of 15, they are eligible in most parts of the United States of America to get a job. This job does not have to be something big, and in fact, could possibly be something that stimulates a lot of fun and enjoyment. Depending on what your teen likes, from video games to playing with kids, there are jobs available. For instance, if your teenager likes playing with young children they could obtain a job at your local park. Most offer outdoor youth camps and practically all pay well, another added perk. Even if they only work the job for a few hours a day, this still provides them with the activity that you are looking for them to have, while giving them a reason to do it themselves through the cash that is made.

Another thing that you could do to possibly stimulate activity is buy your teen a pass to the local YMCA. Most offer swimming and other fun activities, as well as group sports to pass the time and get your teen involved. Most YMCA branches also offer weight rooms, so if you have a teen that is compulsive about how he or she looks, buy them the pass and tell them to enjoy the weight room for the next couple of months. The YMCA is definitely a great place for teens to spend their summers.

Of course, if you don't have the money to pay for a pass like that, or are just looking for your teens to be involved in some form of a group, than there are still many options that are available to you. Some local churches may have something called Community Groups one or more nights out of every week. For my church, it is a Wednesday night. For your church, it may be some other time. Whatever time it is, however, the church itself will most likely come together and offer many groups that specialize in different activities such as learning how to play an instrument, sports activities, or just a regular youth group. Whatever it is, this type of a group will allow for you to get your teen active in a place that will be instilling positive peer pressure, all while being free and accessible to anyone.

The things that were mentioned are just a very few out of the many possible things that you may want to do with your teen. Just remember what was mentioned at the beginning of the article: Find a balance. A teen is in a perpetual state of growth, and as it is during the nine months of the school year they are probably being pushed to their utmost limits. Don't make the summer a time of brutal pushing. Instead, make time for your teen to sleep, and have activity. Balance is key.

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