Getting your teen to think beyond his own immediate needs can be more difficult than cracking a nut
with a plastic fork.But don't worry. It's not impossible.There are many ways to encourage your teen to
care about those outside his immediate circle of friends. As he begins to have responsibility towards others,
he will realize he feels even better about himself.
     "Teens are thinking about career, college, and what their future might look like," explains Michelle
Maidenberg, a clinical director of Westchester Group Works, a center for group treatment in New York.
 "This is very challenging and just one of the reasons why they are so focused on their own world." Once
teens participate in community service, however, they begin to look beyond their personal needs. They also
learn firsthand about the challenges others face, and they experience a sense of authority as they realize they
can make a real difference in others' lives.
     Not sure how to convince a teen to get away from the cell phone and into a community project? Teens
buy into community service when the project or program is in an area of their interest.
     "Finding something in an area of interest for them keeps them motivated and inspired," Maidenberg says.
For instance, if he is interested in culinary (烹饪) school, he could volunteer in a soup kitchen or bake for a
project that supports families in need.Volunteer projects in your teen's area of interest will build her
knowledge base as well as help others.
     Parents can do their part by participating in community service themselves. Teens can learn directly from
their parents that personal enjoyment is not, all that matters.
     Let teens know the benefits they will obtain." Give them every reason in the world to volunteer, " 
Maidenberg advises. She says that working on community service projects builds confidence." By working
with others, teens improve managerial, interpersonal and communication skills. Community service helps to
approach maturity when they take a step back to see the needs of other people," she adds. Another reward:
service hours look great on a resume!