What will your family do this summer? Do you have time off or will your teen be amusing themselves?
When kids are young it can be easier to entertain them with family outings or activity days where they can learn new skills. But, what do you do with a teenager who could quite happily sit in front of the TV or computer for hours or even days on end?
 

Here are five top ways to ensure your teenager stays healthy and active this summer:

Sign them up for a “cool” activity. You can find holiday clubs where they’ll teach you everything from skateboarding to surfing to juggling to street dance. They’ll make new friends and learn a new skill at the same time.

Plan a family day out. Even the most independent teen enjoys a bit of attention from Mum, Dad, brothers and sisters. Find an activity you’ll all enjoy and give it your full attention. What about a trip to the beach, 10 pin bowling, swimming or ice-skating? There’s something whatever the weather.
 

Give your teen some independence. Encourage your teen to cook a special meal for the family. Help them plan a menu then leave the rest to them – walking to the shops, carrying home the groceries, table laying and decoration and of course the cooking. Remember to lavish them with praise and they’ll be more likely to do it again later in the holiday.
 

Speak to their friends parents and arrange a cycle ride and picnic. If you’ve bought the food and done the organising your teen is far less likely to back out. In fact, chances are they’ll enjoy it so much they’ll want to go again later in the holiday.
 

Set your teen some chores so that they can earn money for treats. Not only will they be active whilst they are doing the chores but they are also more likely to go out and meet friends if they have a little money in their pocket.

Maggie Ayre is the UKs leading Fitness Coach for Teen Girls. As well as one-to-one and small group nutrition and fitness work with teens she has developed the 3G Program designed to be run at schools as part of the PE curriculum. She also offers mentoring for PE departments on how to re-engage teen girls with PE and has recently published her third book; “Nutrition for Exam Success – A Parent’s Guide” which is now available as a Kindle and paperback at Amazon. www.maggieayre.com/maggies-books.html. For more information, contact Maggie via www.maggieayre.com or www.femalefitnessrevolution.com.