The Jewish Household

Our mid-teen son is busy with many activities: counseling in the youth movement, assisting handicapped children, etc. We feel as if these activities detract from his studies, and we have spoken to him about this, but he continues. What should we do?

On the Sabbath before the New Moon there is a custom to announce the day (or days) of the week on which it will fall, and to recite a blessing, "that God should renew this coming month for us and the entire Jewish people for goodness and blessing."