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Home › Articles › Teenagers › Activities for Summer Vacation

Activities for Summer Vacation

How to Get Your Teenager Away from the Couch

By Gwen Morrison

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  • Plant a new garden in the backyard.

    • Virginia Hydo, a school teacher in Suwanee, Ga., shares a little of what she overheard a teenage student say recently about spring break: "The student was overheard to say: 'I made plans to go somewhere with my friends; then my parents made plans to go to a condo in Florida. I wish I was going with them. It sounds like they are going to have fun.'"

    Hydo believes that even though many teens strive to be independent, they still want boundaries; they do want their parents available.

    "Parent and child can learn a new craft, learn a new sport, be a visitor/sightseer in your own home state," Hydo says. "If you don't know, find out one thing that they always wanted to do/learn and see if you can possibly do it with them."

    Parents have to remember that during the adolescent years, teens often prefer to interact and socialize with their peers. Though it is important to continue to plan activities to do together as a family, it is a good idea to keep their social needs in mind when planning an excursion. Invite a friend to come along on a family hike, or pack a lunch for them and send them on their way.

    Let's Get Physical
    Even though teenagers enjoy being with their friends, they are usually receptive if you, as a parent, come up with an activity you both can do. Something as boring as washing the car can be a great way to get moving and be together. Turn the radio on and make it fun. Next time it won't be so hard to get him motivated to help out.

    Encouraging your teen to pursue physical actvities this summer will benefit her in many ways. Participating in outside activities can have social and health benefits. Research from Niagara Heart Health in Ontario, Canada, taken from the Physical Activity Promotion Program for the city of Hamilton, Ontario, indicates that teens who pursue physical activities with their family are less likely to demonstrate behaviors such as skipping school, smoking, alcohol, drug abuse and other forms of antisocial behavior.

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