Parent to Parent: Lazy Kids

WSVN -- Like any other teenager, 16-year-old Fabiana Alvarado likes to just lounge around and do nothing sometimes.

Fabiana Alvarado: "I like to hang out, go to the movies, go to my friend's house, sleep over, talk to boys, of course."

But recently, life has changed for Fabiana.

She joined the NFTE program at John A. Ferguson Senior High School -- that stands for the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship -- an organization that helps students turn their free time into moneymaking ideas.

Fabiana Alvarado: "I just want to develop something that I like to do."

7 News Parenting Expert Dr. Valerie Goode says tapping into your child's interest is a great way to get them started.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "Really when you look at what you want for your child is to live a happy life, to be productive to have good relationships, and, in order to do that, they need to have an interest in life, not just doing it for the sake of doing it."

It's best to begin when your child is young by introducing them to a number of activities.

Then keep them busy but not overscheduled.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "Take the tiniest bit of sparkle that's left in your teenager and capitalize in that. So if they come to you and they want to play the guitar, sit with them, listen to them, because really what you're trying to teach them is the enjoyment of life."

If your teen seems to lose interest in everything, continue to ask them what they like to do.

Just be sure to resist the urge to push your child into your hobbies or interests.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "Take an interest to what your child brings to you, don't always be the one to tell your child what to do."

As for chores, don't let your child slack off.

It's important they follow through with their responsibilities.

You can even try doing some things together.

But above all else, be supportive.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "Be your child's cheerleader. Don't beat him up when he can't do something. Be in his corner."

Thanks to their NFTE class, Fabiana and her classmates now have a new passion in life -- being entrepreneurs -- an excitement they and their teachers are banking on for the future.

Fabiana Alvarado: "You're learning and you're having fun and you're getting money for learning and something you could use for your future, and it's amazing."

Lynn Martinez: "Parents, one last note -- children see everything, so if you don't want to raise a couch potato, make sure you're not a couch potato too."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

NFTE - The National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship
www.nfte.com
305-665-1141
7210 Red Road
South Miami, FL 33143

John A Ferguson Senior High School
http://ferguson.dadeschools.net/
305-408-2700
15900 S.W. 56th Street
Miami, FL 33185

IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN DR. VALERIE CAN HELP YOU WITH, E-MAIL US AT:
parent@wsvn.com

Dr. Valerie Goode
305-667-5232
7711 SW 62 Ave.
Suite 203
Miami, FL 33143