Potential Magazine summer 2013 | Page 21

Make THE MOST ‑ OF YOUR‑ EST 2013 Summer photography by Nikki P. Photography Your teens are out of school for the summer and no doubt ready to spend the long hot days and balmy nights goofing off and having fun with Get it together. Here are a few ideas for family fun right here in Alabama that fit almost any personality: their friends. Letting them spend the bulk of their break away from the house and giving you a break is definitely a little tempting. But the summer is coming soon when your child won’t be going back to high school at its end; they’ll be leaving ho me headed off to college. Or maybe that summer is already here for you. Either way, make an effort to spend some quality time with your teens in the next few months. Find opportunities to bond over shared interests. Discover new ones together. No matter what you’re doing, when you’re doing it with your teen, you have the invaluable chance to share your wisdom, reinforce your values and give them that extra boost of confidence that comes from knowing they are important to you. Get FIT! Healthy eating habits and exercise routines are hard to start and stick to, especially during the hectic school year. Take advantage of the extra time your teen has in the summer to establish both. Set fitness goals and work toward them together. It’s a great way to hold each other accountable and get your teen in an active groove before they are on their own. HApp it: Use free apps like RunKeeper and Fooducate to monitor progress and keep yourselves on track. www.potentialmagazine.com 21 21