You’ll see your teen in a whole new light.

When your child was younger, you probably chose a service project for the two of you to do together. As your teen grows older, let her take a leadership role.

Together, talk about something you might do as a service project. The holiday season is a natural time to think about service, and it’s a time when there are lots of things to choose from.

As much as possible, let your teen make the arrangements. Have her call the soup kitchen to see if there’s a time you can help out. Let her ask neighbors for their old coats to deliver to people who live on the street.

Letting your teen take over some of the responsibility is a great way to build her self-esteem. It will also help her learn skills that she can use in school and on the job.

Copyright © Parent Institute