Parents have a unique opportunity to arrange 'field trips" for older kids. Although they may fight the idea at first, teens love to learn and experience new things. It is yet another way for parents to know what their teens are up to.

Every day a parent goes to work. Parents often do a job that their own kids don't know anything about. This is one possible place for a "field trip". Tell your teen you would like them to understand what you do at work. Ask your boss for permission to have your teen visit you for a few hours while on the job, or maybe a coworker could give them a tour and introduce them to your fellow employees. One benefit may be a better understanding of what you do to earn that money for their designer jeans. They also may appreciate what you do for them a bit more.

If you live in an area where there are interesting manufacturing plants, farms with exotic animals or products, unusual businesses, get teens interested in accompanying you to see these places.

Don't forget some of the usual places for "field trips", such as tourist attractions, museums and galleries, or historically significant locations. For some reason parents only take the younger kids on these types of excursions. Your teen may not have seen these places since they were children. His perspective and yours may be different, and things missed as a youngster may be significant, since you are both older now.

I don't believe it is up to the school and teachers to do every extra-curricular activity with our children. Parents can educate themselves with a basic background to act as a guide. Libraries have lots of helpful Information and even suggestions for tours. Make this a memorable trip by focusing on fun and learning. Invite one of their friends along occasionally.

Plan weekend and day trips, as well as vacations. Bring your camera, and pack a lunch. This could be a one-on-one bonding time for you both.

Try matching your teen's interests with the trip. Let them suggest ideas for excursions. Learn little-known facts about manufacturing. Interest your teen in new careers or unusual hobbies. Everything you do with your kids does not need to be expensive. The main thing is to make it fun and to get them involved in other pursuits that are healthy and safe.

Enjoy this summer with your teen!

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel