It’s also a great way to explore career options. If your teen has an interest in working in a medical field, helping a child who is ill can help him decide if he wants to pursue that interest.

Here are some ways your teen can help:

• Volunteer at a children’s hospital or in the children’s ward of your local hospital. Your teen can play board games with the children. He can read to them. He can do puzzles with them. He can share a skill he has, such as playing the guitar. He can do a craft, such as decorating paper bag puppets.

• Make a tape or a video—or burn a CD. A child who is ill may enjoy watching or listening to your teen’s creation.

• Work with siblings. When a child is ill, a well brother or sister may not receive much attention. A child sitting in the waiting room of a hospital would probably love to play a game with your teen or hear a story.

1-58904-012-0 (Robins Lane Press, 1-800-638-0928, www.robinslanepress.com).

Copyright © Parent Institute