Denton County Living Well Magazine July/August 2016 | Page 31

• Volunteer work for younger children (ages 7 to 11) may consist of helping a neighbor plant flowers, walking a neighbor’s dog, watering a neighbor’s plants, or helping another sibling with their chores (this helps build the idea of teamwork). Make a list of possible options and allow them to choose an option. Volunteer work fosters the unselfish idea of helping others and giving. It helps them become more “others” focused than “I” focused. Older Children and Adolescents • Spending time with friends, swimming, watching movies, and being active on social media are the typical activities that most adolescents enjoy. It would be a great idea for you and your adolescent or young person to formulate some ideas that are not the typical fun things to do. Maybe this summer could be the time to learn something new like playing a musical instrument, cooking, building a project together, painting, or drawing. Think beyond the norm and be creative, providing them with some healthy options to choose from. • Chores with rewards or a part-time job are a great opportunity for an adolescent to learn responsibility and de- pendability. Maybe you could cancel the lawn service for the summer and have your teenage son provide the service. It would be a great first job. Be sure to reward him. • Volunteer work for older children and adolescents is so important in developing a better understanding for the needs of others around us. It encourages the healthy idea of being unselfish and giving. A few community service organizations for a young person to volunteer at are: • • • • • Local SPCA Animal Shelter Local YMCA to help with children’s camps and activities Local church camps as a children’s counselor City food pantry for the homeless Salvation Army The above ideas are a place to begin. Remember balance between play, family time, chores, work, and volunteering can turn a bored summer into “good times” memories. Being creative in making your children’s summer a time to remember without you doing all the work and getting burned out is worth the effort of implementing new ideas with balance. Georgia Smith is in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas providing counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and marriage and family. She is also an author of two books and a public speaker. Georgia may be reached at 469-855-0256 or via email [email protected]. www.counselingbygeorgia.com Renamed. Renewed. Renowned. MEET THE NEW 4343 N. Josey Ln., Carrollton, TX 75010 For a physician referral or for more information about our services, call 1.800.4BAYLOR or visit us online at BaylorHealth.com/Carrollton. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers, Baylor Health Care System, Scott & White Healthcare or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2015 Baylor Scott & White Health BSWMCC_8_2015 CE 12.15 DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2016 29