Guest Author - Shanita Alexander

Now that you are teenager in the house, you can look back on how easy it seemed to keep yourself busy over the summer when you were younger. A trip to the beach, a bucket of mud in the yard, summer camp at the zoo, seemed like heaven. But what is a 15-year-old going to do when school lets out? Middle and high school students seem to fall into a black hole when it comes to summer activities. Add in their changing moods, stronger interests and need for sleep, and that bucket of mud doesn’t cut it anymore. Here are few things you can do to stay motivated and even inspired during the summer months.

CLEAN YOUR ROOM. Yeah right!

LEARN TO COOK. Let's face it, you're no longer a little kid. Do you really want to go out into the world only knowing how to order take-out or make microwave pizza? Ask yourself to be responsible for one meal a week for your family. This will help teach you how to plan and shop for the meal. Setting a budget can add an extra challenge and keep spending in check. Ask your parents for help to get you started, but you should be doing most of the work. You may be surprised how quickly you pick up on cooking. It not only teaches responsibility, but it can be so much fun!

VOLUNTEER. Are you inspired by President Obama and his call to service? Keep that excitement alive by finding something you like to do and that will help your community. Local museums, parks, zoos, Science Centers and libraries all offer special volunteer opportunities for teenagers. If you have attended a camp in the past, look into working there as a counselor or counselor in training. Most high school students have to fulfill a service learning requirement for graduation, and summer is the perfect.

DO SOMETHING SILLY. One summer, my daughter decided to try to watch all of the “Cosby Show" episodes, thanks to a bulk rental program our local video store was offering. On a hot day, or a long evening, nothing beats a marathon of the Cosby kids. Try picking up some classic films or old television shows. Think of it as an education in the pop culture of your youth.

LEARN LIFE SKILLS. Enroll in a first aid, CPR or a babysitting class. Ask a parent or adult in the family to teach you how to balance a checkbook and manage your money. All of these skills are part of a basic survival kit everyone should have before they turn eighteen.