Health & Fitness
5 Ideas For Teens Who Say, “There’s Nothing To Do On Long Island”
Here are a few ideas for you to share with your bored teens.
I often hear how there isn’t much to do for teens on Long Island. I then think, well you’re not trying hard enough because I think just the opposite. Now whether teens WANT to find something and try something new is a different story. There are many teen clubs and events that take place every month right here in Valley Stream. Other communities have events in their community centers as well. Teens, and sometimes little ones, are very reluctant to try new things often shortchanging them in experience and exposure.
Just this past Sunday, Alexandria Grunin, a 2012 graduate of Valley Stream Central High School, spoke to my Sparkle Empowerment Program for Girls ages 7 – 16 and their parents about trying new things. At the ripe old age of 18, She was one of many esteemed women right here in Valley Stream and surrounding communities. She admitted that she wasn’t the most popular student in the school and that it was okay to do something different from all of the other kids. I am so glad she said that. Too often teens want to follow the in crowd and do what everyone else is doing. She joined the yearbook club and helped design the cover leading her into wanting to learn more about digital design. In addition to all of the other clubs, sports, and leadership positions she held prior to graduation, it helped put her on the track to success in college including running for and winning the position of Freshman Class President at Molloy College.
As a former and very involved teen, I want to encourage you as a parent to push your children a little harder into doing a little more than what is just required to graduate or move up to the next grade. Encourage them to join one of the many youth organizations in Valley Stream outside of school or at least participate in at least one teen activity at the library. Do not push your hopes an dreams upon them because this is their life. They have different desires than you. I had hopes of my daughter learning ballet and becoming a cheerleader, but it doesn’t look like I’ll get my wish and I’m okay with that.
