Preparing Teens for Summer

Take Him to See Universities

• If your teen will be expected to complete summer courses or start filling out college applications over the summer break, taking him to see a couple of colleges during the spring may motivate him to do so. Instead of asking him to complete tasks without a tangible idea of the reward, set up a couple of college tours to assure he gets the importance of following through with applications and classes over the summer break. During the tour, point out where his dorm could be, what clubs are available and other points of interest about the school.Choose tours at schools with strong programs in his areas of interest. If he is not sure what he will major in, discuss his interests to get an idea where he might go. If he loves politics, science or the arts, you will have a foundation to choose tours from.

Turn Him on to Volunteering

• Allow him to choose the field he wishes to volunteer in well before the school year ends. If he loves sports, he may enjoy coaching kids with chronic illnesses. If animals are his thing, most local animal shelters accept volunteers to care for the animals and clean out their pens. Tune into his interests and give him suggestions about where he might enjoy spending time as a volunteer. Request a list from him of three places he wants to apply to by the end of May. Suggest his friends volunteer there with him to make it more fun.

Set Up a Mentor Program

• For the older teen, who already has a few ideas about what he wants to do with his life, setting up job shadowing or mentoring opportunities can be successful. According to an article posted at St. Catherine University's website, job shadowing allows students to tag along with a working adult to experience the career firsthand before committing to a major. Have your teen prepare some questions ahead of time so he can make an informed decision.

Summer Jobs Keep Them Busy

• If your teen is interested in making money, there are many part-time job opportunities during the summer. Many of the jobs are filled, however, before the last school bell of the year rings. Encourage your teen to apply for summer jobs before summer to ensure he secures one that he likes. Help him prepare a resume detailing responsibilities he has had in clubs or at previous jobs so he can put his best foot forward.