Question:

My teenagers are so preoccupied with clothes, dates, and music. That’s okay, but I'd like them to start caring about world affairs and social issues also. How can I use our summer time to broaden their knowledge about the world?
– Canton, Michigan

Answer:

Have you tried a dinner show of current events set to music?
Seriously, though, you’ll have more success if you start with subjects they already find interesting, and then gradually add new topics. For example, if your son likes swing music, tell him about jazz musicians of the ’40s and put the music in historic perspective.
Adolescent parenting requires creativity. Here are some other painless ways to gradually introduce topics:
  • Invite your kids to go with you to meetings or concerts, and include them in your hobbies. Talk about everything you do.
  • Participate in a summer library reading program. Your librarian can recommend books for teenagers on current events and social issues. Jim Trealease, author of "The New Read-Aloud Handbook," asks parents to think about their priorities by comparing the number of times they take their kids to the library versus the number of times they take them to the shopping mall.
  • Try challenging your kids to read any three pages of the newspaper and give you a summary of the news at dinner. Gradually get them to try new sections they otherwise wouldn’t read.
  • Look for shows and quality movies you can watch together and discuss afterward. Summer is also a great time to try out programs offered by local libraries, museums, and other cultural centers.
  • Surf the Internet together and find interesting sites. You can find help at the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).


Linda Wacyk is a mom and freelance writer from Grand Ledge, Michigan.