Activities to Get Your Teenager Involved In

Today's youth is involved in video games, movies, computers, and just about anything electronic. You don't see many teenagers out and about in the world, unless its shopping.

I'm only a few years older than the considered teenager, but I remember what I did between the ages of 13 and 19. I played the flute and piccolo in school and practiced at home. I volunteered for animal shelters for years. I, also, took part in other activities around my community.

While working with a community volunteer group, I:

• Cleaned the yards of the elderly and disabled
• Cooked for the Ronald McDonald House (no not the fast food restraunt)
• Read to under- priveliged children and helped them with their homework
• Helped organize a clothing bank

Those were just a few of the activities that the group offered that I chose to participate in during my teenage years.

I think that there are so many activities that parents should try to get their children in at least one time during their teen years. It would open their eyes to a new appreciation besides the wonderful world of Halo 3 and World of Warcraft.

There are so many different sports that teenagers can participate in. They can get involved in community sports, school sports, or private group sports. Most of which offer football, soccer, tennis, golf, lacrosse, baseball, softball, and hockey.

Your teenager may even be interested in dance, gymnastics, competition roller blading, skateboarding, or biking.

Sports can help get your child in shape, as this is the day for obesity. Sports can help keep your child occupied and off the computer for long hours of the day, away from chatting with strangers.

Sports get your child moving. They help children meet new people and get involved.

Although, as never a big sports person, as I have tendon and ligament problems with my knees, most of my cousins were involved in a sport at one point in time- usually baseball, softball, soccer, and tennis.

Sports are, also, a great way to keep your child busy with organized play, and hopefully, keep your child out of trouble with multiple practices and games a week.

Just make sure not to let a sport get in the way of your child's education and studies.

Whether in a band, at school, or a private group, learning how to play an instrument, will open your child's eyes to the arts. Maybe...

The most common instrument that teenagers want to learn is usually the guitar. I remember as a high school senior, at least 15 seniors opted to learn how to play the guitar for their senior project. I'd say at least 4 or 5 of these senior students were in my humanities class alone, so listening to beginner guitarists got old.

Although, more of a sit- down activity, learning an instrument is still a healthy hobby for anyone to take part in.

There are so many instruments that your and your teen can decide which is best to learn.

The most common instruments that teenagers opt to learn how to play include:

• Guitar
• Bass
• Drums
• Piano or Keyboard
• Trumpet
• Flute
• Clarinet
• Violin

Most of the orchestra instruments are more popular amongst early teens in junior high, when they get to join the school band. Some of these teenagers continue the instrument through high school and maybe college.

When you get your child interested in an instrument earlier on, depending this child mind you, it can open the doors for an interest in learning other instruments.

I remember in the high school band, the cool thing to do was to take on another instrument. I chose piccolo, even though it's not much different than the flute. Most other kids opted for instruments different than what they knew already.

By getting your child involved in the community, he will, hopefully, feel better about something he has done in his life.

Many high schools require volunteer work, which is what led me through many of my volunteering activities. I chose a few that I enjoyed, and kept up with them. My most favorite place to volunteer was at Petsmart with a local animal rescue. Even though, I often found myself cleaning dog cages and cat litter boxes, I was always overjoyed when I was able to help place an animal in a loving home. Yes, you get attached to the animals that are repeat visitors, but that's what makes it all the more special when you're able to help find that dog or cat a home.

There are many organizations that teenagers can get involved in. Many may have age restrictions, but if you really want your child involved in a non- profit organization, it will help to see you, the parent, volunteering as well. And, most organizations with age- limits will allow the child to volunteer with a parent there.

Some of my favorite times were when my dad went with me to help Habitat for Humanity. Maybe you're child will enjoy volunteering if you are able to find something to do together.

Fun places to volunteer:

• Animal shelters
• Habitat for Humanity
• Reading to children
• Nursing homes
• Hospitals
• House of Heroes

Those teenagers who have an interest in working in the medical field, may be interested in inquiring about a program to work in the hospital. There tend to be age requirements with this, but for the most part, I've heard it can be fun for those interested in that field of work.

The nursing home. What can you do with little old ladies and men who sit and mumble all day? Play bingo, checkers, chess, or just listen to their stories. Older people tend to have great stories of the past. Most elderly people in nursing homes don't get the attention or number of visitors that they deserve, so they would gladly appreciate a little of you and your child's time and attention.

Animal shelters... What more is there to say... PUPPIES and KITTIES!

Find something that your teen will enjoy. Maybe make a list of a few different options, and let the child choose.

Getting involved in the community will help get your child out of t he house and doing something worth while.