Here are a few ways your teens can make productive use of their winter vacation:
1. Earn Some Spending Money
Although winter break isn't long enough to get a "real" job, many teens make a little extra spending money by babysitting, shoveling snow off driveways or helping others clean house after the holidays.
These odd jobs will keep your teens occupied and make them less dependent on you for all of their expenses without making winter break one big chore.
2. Serve Others
There's no time like the holidays to give back to those in need. Local soup kitchens, churches, food banks and hospitals are always in need of a helping hand. Your teens can also get involved with a toy drive or adopt-a-family-in-need program, or raise money for a cause close to their heart.
3. Get Organized
In the past few months, hectic schedules and school stress have probably contributed to your teens' room looking more like a jungle than a study area.
As new gifts come in with the holidays, encourage your teens to donate the clothes, books and other belongings they no longer use. A thorough reorganization and cleaning will help ensure the next semester gets off to a good start.
4. Spend Time as a Family
The holidays are a busy time for everyone, but they're also an ideal time for family bonding. Schedule family game night, movie night or an evening of games in the park, and make sure everyone makes it a priority to be there.
If your extended family lives nearby, winter break provides a rare opportunity for your teens to get to know their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins a little better.
There are dozens of ways to make winter break both productive and enjoyable, but one thing is for sure: A busy teen is a happy teen, so start making plans today!
Although winter break isn't long enough to get a "real" job, many teens make a little extra spending money by babysitting, shoveling snow off driveways or helping others clean house after the holidays.
These odd jobs will keep your teens occupied and make them less dependent on you for all of their expenses without making winter break one big chore.
2. Serve Others
There's no time like the holidays to give back to those in need. Local soup kitchens, churches, food banks and hospitals are always in need of a helping hand. Your teens can also get involved with a toy drive or adopt-a-family-in-need program, or raise money for a cause close to their heart.
3. Get Organized
In the past few months, hectic schedules and school stress have probably contributed to your teens' room looking more like a jungle than a study area.
As new gifts come in with the holidays, encourage your teens to donate the clothes, books and other belongings they no longer use. A thorough reorganization and cleaning will help ensure the next semester gets off to a good start.
4. Spend Time as a Family
The holidays are a busy time for everyone, but they're also an ideal time for family bonding. Schedule family game night, movie night or an evening of games in the park, and make sure everyone makes it a priority to be there.
If your extended family lives nearby, winter break provides a rare opportunity for your teens to get to know their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins a little better.
There are dozens of ways to make winter break both productive and enjoyable, but one thing is for sure: A busy teen is a happy teen, so start making plans today!
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