Even better, make learning something you can do together. Schedule time for activities like these:

Current events. Pick an interesting newspaper editorial to share with your teen. Ask his opinion about how the issue should be handled.

Cooking and eating. Many teens have cast off the “picky eating” of childhood and are quite adventurous eaters. Let him introduce you to some new foods. Or try something that is new to both of you.

Games and sports. Go running together. Challenge each other to a chess match. Try board games that reinforce learning, such as Scrabble.

Family history. Every teen should know the story of his family. Make a point this summer to spend some time with older relatives. Ask them about their lives, and their parents’ lives. Where did they come from? What did they do for work, and play? What was important to them?

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