We dropped Jordan off here for a band camp at this college yesterday afternoon.

We brought the whole family to get her "settled into" her dorm room. We felt the need to tuck her sheets, fluff her pillow, and inspect her hangout.

But I have the feeling that she would have rather have been spending time having fun with her new roommate instead of us!

Because my kids range from kindergarten to almost high school, I decided to take the idea of summer activities to the next step. I wanted to include more than just playdoh and sidewalk chalk. Preteens and teens will quickly let you know that they are not children anymore and by the time they communicate the words “I’m bored!” to you, they could already had mind glaze for days. For me, the fun of summer is having unstructured days ahead of us with no homework or school deadlines. I’ve appreciated this more as the years have passed. This is the chance to introduce topics that will hardly ever be on a standardized test, but could make a difference in a positive direction for your child.

With some kids their passions are evident from the beginning and following through with sports camps or swim teams just falls right into place. Other kids may need a little encouragement. All kids need to be exposed to the pure pleasure of the intentional contentment of a new interest. Especially — and if you are a parent of a teen you will agree — one that doesn’t involve mind numbing texting or endless level of gaming. You know I don’t think technology is a bad thing. I’d never say that! Many of the activities I am going to suggest will involve technology. Technology with a purpose to explore more creatively as a resource though, instead of a babysitter or distraction.

Teens can be tricky though. They often earn the reputation of being easily annoyed and mysteriously embarrassed by their family, making even the most encouraging effort by a parent deflated in 2.5 seconds. When introducing a new project or idea to a teenager you may want to remember the following:

  • Plant the idea gently and don’t force. If it is “your” idea I can almost guarantee you that they will make avoiding the perfect activity their new passion. I’ve learned this the hard way in my clothing suggestions to my daughter. If I want to guarantee she will never wear a cute shirt again all I have to say is, “Why don’t you wear this shirt? It looks sooo cute on you!” That shirt goes immediately to the back of the closet and will never be worn again. Same thing applies to projects and ideas.
  • Do it with them or start doing the project yourself. Once they see you persuing something interesting, you may find a companion in learning together. Another idea is to make the supplies for the project available fat at time when a friend of theirs will be visiting.
  • Include them. Including the teen in planning and purchasing might make some projects more appealing. Setting a project budget would possibly help in the decision making and focus. (Because shopping with a teenager is dangerous…downright dangerous!) Being together as you shop may open up an opportunity for more discussion about the project and a million other things teens often clam up about.
  • Listen. Be open to ideas they may have on their own. There may be things they want to try that you have never imagined. With this interchange of ideas — no matter how mission impossible it seems — you may begin to reveal their interests or passions.
  • Think ‘out of the box’ as you persue the next level. Look at their current interests and see what next steps can be introduced. For example, if you have a “gamer” you may want to introduce them to the worlds of game programming design, animation, or video editing. Budding fashionistas might enjoy skills that lead them to become creative clothing designers. A teen obsessed with sports might just have a huge blog following as he journals his ideas to others. A kind and quiet child might blossom when allowed to develop a service project for those in need. Sometimes thinking ‘out of the box’ may result in a wonderful opportunity for your child.
  • Avoid making the first project overwhelming. Break a bigger project into stages. Taking on too much or something too intricate might kill the joy immediately.
  • Don’t breathe down their neck. Do not, I repeat, do not micromanage their projects. It’s hard, I know, but constant hovering can suck the joy out of even the best suited interest.
  • Finally, avoid criticism. Biting your tongue might be the best thing you can do – regardless of the success or failure of a project. Learning is not all about success. Having fun does not always produce a masterpiece.

Next up, the list of age appropriate specifics I’ve conjured to start your brainstorming.