Did you miss part 1?

5.  Chores.  Many teens already have chores at home, if they don't, I do believe that giving them responsibility helps them become more independent when they are an adult.  During the holiday time-off for teens, encourage your teens to clean out their closets!  Get organized.  Are there clothes they aren't wearing any long, or games, items etc they aren't using?  Talk about donating their stuff to the needy (find a local Good Will or Salvation Army), again showing your teen it feels so good to give to those that are not as fortunate.

6.  Your local library is a huge resource. Of course some teens will snub their noses and think "BORING", but bring them to the local library.  There are many activities in most of them.  The computer center, book clubs, check out what organizations are meeting there, maybe your teen would be an excellent tutor for younger kids.  Get them involved.  The library has so much to offer and we just need to re-introduce today's library to our kids.  Another great idea, if you are seeing a movie that is based on a book, read the book first!  There are many out today that have books the movie was based on such as Precious, My Lovely Bones, Invictus and others.

7.  The garage and the attic.  How many of you have a garage or attic that are packed with memories, full of "stuff" and completely scattered?  Make this a family project.  It could be fun and your teens can learn about your past (well, maybe not all of it) however get the garage and attic cleaned out, organized and the clutter in order!

8.  Hanging out.  Yes, guess what, hanging out is not a bad thing as long as it is not all you do.  Better yet, hang out as a family!  Rent a movie, get a pizza, or maybe one of your teens can make pizza!  How about those board games?  Get out Monopoly and Scrabble!  Uno is another great family game!  The point is - you are all hanging together as a family!

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