Summer in the City - For Teens

I've been worrying about what to do with my 13 year old for the summer. She's too old for daycare, but too young to be by herself.

I don't think she'd get into the kind of trouble I got into as a teen - you know, the kind that led to her birth - but no real good could come of her alone time.

In particular, as we are working hard on getting her weight under control, it's important for her to have a routine for eating and activities to keep her mind and body occupied in the meantime.

It turns out our local Boys & Girls Club can provide this and more. For $200 a month, she'll have a boatload of activities, field trips and fun. Breakfast and lunch is also included at this club, though not at the other ones I called in our county.

It's a really tight squeeze budget-wise but worth the peace of mind. Parenting is hard enough without wondering if your house will be set on fire while you're not home! They serve children and teens, up to age 17 in this club's case, so she won't be stuck with "a bunch of babies" either.

If you're in the market for some great summer fun for your kids, or if you'd like a great organization to help support/volunteer at, check out their website to find a club near you, or call 1-800-854-CLUB.