To build your teen's character, encourage him to take some time to volunteer. Teens who volunteer regularly:

• Are less likely to use drugs.
• Are less likely to be sexually active.
• Are more likely to develop a strong work ethic.
• Are more likely to be active participants in their communities as adults.
• Are gaining important skills and experiences that can be listed on college applications or résumé.

To help your teen have a good volunteering experience:

• Discuss your teen's strengths and interests. Help your teen find a cause he feels strongly about. Review his schedule, too. If your teen has a lot of free time, volunteering regularly at the local animal shelter may be right for him. If his schedule is pretty full, he could participate in a volunteer program from home (sending care packages to troops overseas).
• Encourage your teen to stay committed. Remind him that volunteering is like a job--he has to show up when he says he will.

Reprinted with permission from the October 2009 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (High School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2009 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Jamie Littlefield, "Teen Volunteerism: How to Promote a Positive Volunteer Experience," About.com: Teens, http://parentingteens.about.com.