But even if service is not required of him, your teen should consider volunteering.

Teens who volunteer:

• Learn more about their communities than they otherwise would.

• Get a chance to try different jobs to see how they like them.

• Make contacts that can help them throughout high school and beyond.

• Have the high self-esteem that comes from helping others.

• Feel good about how they spend their free time.

• Learn responsibility and how to work with people of different ages and experience levels.

Here are some places your teen can volunteer:

• At an event. Event planners often need people to run errands, sell tickets or help with set up and clean up.

• At a house of worship. Congregations often have specific service projects for young people to participate in. They may also need help with taking care of buildings and lawns or staffing nurseries.

• At a school. Your teen could read to kids, coach a team or help out with a school event.

• Close to home. Your teen could cook a meal for a new mother. Or he could pick up groceries or mail for an elderly neighbor.

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