If you’re like me, a busy working mom who planned my children’s summers with day camps, enrichment programs, play dates and fun outdoor activities, you may be discovering it gets more difficult as your kids hit their teenage years.

When this began to happen for my teens, I turned to two strategies that could provide a flexible yet reliable solution to our summer boredom dilemma that didn’t involve screens, and got them moving and mentally stimulated.

Karen Bluth, PhD

An In / Out List is quick and easy to create.

Have your teen grab a sheet of paper, computer, tablet or phone. On the paper or screen, create two columns.

1). The In Column - On the left start with the adds and keepers. Title it “Ins”. What your teen wants to let into their life that is positive and good.

2). The Out Column - On the right create a second column titled “Outs”— what your teen wants to let go of or get out of their life.

Getting your teen to eat healthier doesn’t have to be about eliminating foods your teen likes and depriving. Instead, help by swapping out favorite foods with healthier options and, if necessary, reducing the frequency or amount of those foods.

Gratitude practice helps teenagers step outside of themselves and see a wider view of the world around them. When times are difficult this enhanced perspective helps to focus on the fact that there is plenty of good in the world.

One of the greatest benefits is gratitude helps teenagers to look at what they have vs. what they don’t have.