Of course school breaks are great. Of course they're for relaxing. Of course your teen will probably just want to have fun. But maybe, just maybe, you can encourage him to keep his brain active during the long stretch from December to January. Here are a few suggestions:

• Give the gift of reading. Buy a book or two for your teen to read during the break. Your teen can ask a local librarian for other reading recommendations.
• Encourage your teen to search for colleges online. Make sure your student performs free virtual tours of college campuses right here on eCampusTours.
• Enroll your student in a holiday workshop or camp. Research online for holiday art, sports, career, etc. workshops and day camps in your community. 
• Pull out a challenging board game or play some chess. Your teen should enjoy spending some one-on-one time with you.
• Ask your teen to find someone less fortunate and help them during the holidays. Ideas for reaching out to those less fortunate can include: volunteering at a soup kitchen, donating toys to a children's charity, volunteering to help a family in a crisis zone, etc.
• Support your teen's efforts to find a part-time or seasonal job. Retail stores are always looking for extra help during the holiday season.
• Attend a concert or play together. The holiday season is an active time for communities to put on productions of concerts and plays.
• Challenge your teen to a physically or mentally challenging video game. This is a great idea for parents who are struggling to figure out ways to connect with their teen.
• Set reasonable daily limits for texting, TV, and internet usage. Don't let your teen spend the whole break zoned out in front of the TV or computer.
• Enlist your teen to help you with the household budget and bills. Teach your teen how to use a budget planner. Let your student enter bills as they come and help you stay on track with expenses. Ask him/her for brainstorming ideas on how your family could cut expenses.
• Encourage your student to read the daily paper or news website so you can discuss current events.

These are just a few suggestions to keep your teen from becoming a couch potato over the holiday break. Brainstorm with your child more ways to have an active holiday season. Happy holidays!

Source: ACT Parent