Summer vacation can be a trying time for parents of tweens. Often, tweens aren't mature enough to go places and do a lot of activities independently which means they need a lot of parental support and guidance.
Also, when left to their own devices, many tweens will find trouble. There's also the complaint of, "I'm bored!" that can be heard echoing in homes across America.
Getting tweens involved in positive activities during the summer can be one of the best ways to prevent behavior problems.
Encourage your tween to do some volunteer work. Although they may need help or a parent to go with them, it can be well worth your time and effort. Tweens can often do things like walk animals at a shelter or even volunteer to talk with elderly folks at a local nursing facility.
If you're not able to commit to volunteering with your tween, find some things they can do independently. Simply gathering up their unused items in preparation for donating them to a worthy cause can be a great activity.
Give tweens responsibilities to do during the summer as well. Assign chores to them and help them earn money or extra privileges. Show them that they must earn more independence and freedom by showing they are mature enough to handle responsibility.
Of course, you can always sign your tween up for camp, sports activities or other clubs and organizations. The key is to keep them active to prevent behavior problems.
Find out more about ways to discipline tweens and avoid behavior problems this summer.