Summer with Teens
By Denise Witmer, About.com Guide to Teens
Summer, the sunny season where parents of teens have to scramble. Either you’re trying to find something for your teen to do or you’re rushing to get them to work, camp or a pool party. Add in finding time to plan and pull off a family vacation and can anyone with a teenager really say summer is the time of year that things slow down? Not in our home! Here are some resources to help you get through the work of being a parent of a teen in the summer and have more fun.
12 Weeks of Summer Activities
Ideas for summer activities that your teen can do during the week with resources on how the activity is done and perhaps more to delve further into the teen activity.
- Week 1: Pizza, Parks and Pots
- Week 2: Lemonade, Socks and Biking
- Week 3: Baseball, Kabobs and Hemp Bracelets
- Week 4: Banana Splits and the Cha-Cha Slide
- Week 5: Sun Tea, Mini Golf and Saving Water
- Week 6: Cookie-wiches, Poems and Journals
- Week 7: Tacos, Knots and Fishing
- Week 8: Burgers, Pen Pals and Rail Trails
- Week 9: Summer Concerts and Bath Salts
- Week 10: Fruit Smoothies, Sketching and Gardens
- Week 11: Pudding Popsicles and Photo Adventures
- Week 12: Using the Grill and Checking Out the Stars
Summer Camps
Fun summer camps can keep teens busy and teach them new skills. Use these articles to help your teen find and enjoy summer camp.
- How To Pack for Summer Camp
- Summer and Day Camp Ideas Planner
- Summer Programs for Kids and Teenagers 2009
- Tips for Saving Money on Summer Camps
Summer Crafts
Learning a new craft technique or making different types of crafts over the summer will fill in time that your teen may otherwise be bored. If your teen likes to craft or you think she may want to try, suggest some of these ideas.
- Crochet a Sunglasses Case
- Make Flower Flip Flops
- Make Jewel Sparkle Flip Flops
- Trendy Summer Tote Bag
- Sparklin' Hot Summer Nights Bath Salts
- Earring Holder Branch
- Leaf T-shirt
- Make Cell Phone Charms
- Perler Bead Flip Flop Pattern
- Summer Sun Bookmark
Summer Jobs
A summer job can teach a teenager about responsibility, money management and give him/her real-life experiences. Help your teen find and keep a summer job using these resources.
- How To Help Your Teen Get a Summer Job
- How do I know if my teen is ready to get a real job?
- Teens Having a Tough Time Finding Summer Jobs, Tips for Parents
- Screening Quiz: Is your teen ready to get a job?
- Worst Summer Jobs for Teens
Summer Recipes
Easy recipes your teen will love to make this summer. Make them together and enjoy them with the whole family.
Summer School
Summer school helps a teen student either pass a class he had failed during the school year or prepare for a heavy workload in the next school year. Use these articles to help your teen get the most out of his classes this summer.
- 5 Fundamental Reasons to Take a Look at Summer School
- Tips On Getting Your Teen To Do Their Homework
- Build a Winning Academic and Personal Record
- Encourage Your High School Student to Do Their Best
- Find a Tutor for Your Teen
Summer Vacations
When planning summer vacations with teens, parents should talk to their teens and allow them to have a hand in the vacation decisions - and some of the work that goes into planning a vacation. These articles will help your family vacation with your teen go off without a hitch.
- 10 Family Vacation Tips for Parents of Teens
- How To Set a Budget for a Family Vacation
- How To Give Choices
- Do you let your teen do the packing?
Teens Home Alone
Articles and resources for parents of teens who need to stay home alone this summer.
