I would like to offer a few activities that will allow your child to use his/her head, become more responsible, and share quality time with you; all adding up to stress-free summer for parents and children. Start a book club. With the popularity of Oprah's Book Club, now is the time to get your teen involved in reading. Make it a club for two, or add a few of your child's friends and their moms. Start off by choosing a book that is on the "light" side, so your child isn't "scared off'" by reading. Set aside one evening a week to get together and discuss the book. If you've opted for the larger book club, have your child select the menu for the club's meeting. Whether it's a dinner meeting or just some light snacks, allow your child to pick and prepare the menu.

Since summer is vacation time for most families, have your teen offer their services as a "pet sitter" or "plant waterer". Make sure, though, that this is done only in your local neighborhood with people you know and are comfortable with. This gives your child an opportunity to earn some pocket money and learn responsibility.

One of the things that I like to encourage and promote is community service. Have your child volunteer some time several days a week. They can adopt a space/street to keep clean; help with the local food drive; help harvest and collect food for the needy; help deliver food to people who are shut in their homes; pay friendly visits to the elderly or younger children who are too sick to leave the house; help at a local animal shelter or community center. There are a lot of civic duties that they can do to help others and to feel better about themselves.
If you feel compelled to entertain your kids this summer you can plan a "local trip of the week." Get other parents involved so that it's a group outing. Perhaps a trip to the local art museum, science exhibit, or state fair. If you are really adventurous you may want to consider a camping trip for the weekend with several other parents.

A vacation trip does not have to mean spending several thousands of dollars and having to go a thousand miles away. Sure sometimes it is fun and educational but not every year. Depending upon the distance between your home and office, schedule a weekly lunch with your kid. This doesn't have to be at a fancy restaurant. Opt for a picnic lunch in a local park or a favorite fast-food restaurant. This will be a nice treat for the both of you. Sign up with your child for evening summer leagues such as bowling, billiard, swimming, street hockey, art, gym or YMCA classes. It is all healthy and fun. In today's society it's easy for teens to stray. You can structure your teen's time and activities without him/her even being aware of it. A day at the pool, a trip to the city, a day for projects, reading, etc. is a great way to keep them busy. They will be too busy to realize that you have them on a schedule. Lastly, do not forget this is your summer too. Before you know it winter will be back. Plan some time for yourself to go out for a long walk or to just lie in a hammock. Talk to another parent about helping with each other's kids so both of you get some time off.
Have a great summer!