The Lazy Days of Summer

I remember the days of having a pouting, sighing teen around the house in the summer complaining about having nothing to do. It worked my nerves to see her glued to the couch watching MTV "Junk" and other mindless shows. Much of the summer she'd spend with my mom or her dad (she's my niece but we took custody of her when she was 14), but when she was home I had to be sure to find things to occupy her time and make it a productive summer.

Here are a few tips or ideas I think would be great for your pre-teen or teen to do over the upcoming summer break.

A summer business - What a blast it can be to help your pre-teen/teen start and develop a summer business. I would suggest starting to work on this project now. Starting a summer business can help your child develop his her computer skills, business knowledge, math skills and overall communication skills. It is also a wonderful way to help them be disciplined and physically active over the summer. Consider traditional kid businesses such as babysitting, lawn care/yard cleaning, pet walking/sitting, car washing and newspaper routes. But be sure to explore less conventional ideas and/or ideas that utilize your child's special talent such as - bicycle repair, teaching computer skills to the elderly, tutoring younger children, crafts such as woodwork, summer cheerleading or basketball camps for small kids or independent sells. The camps or computer classes might require a little of your time to help plan, etc., but think how rewarding this time could be for both you and your child.