Things to do with your teenager
In today's busy and overscheduled world parents are finding it increasingly hard to find time to spend with their children. This becomes even more complicated when their children reach their teenage years and are busy with their own friends, school and maybe even a job. In addition if there are several children in a family parents may find that they are responding to their younger children more since their demands are sometimes the most insistent and the most loudly stated. But it is crucial that parents still make an effort to spend time with their teenagers. Even if your teen acts reluctant to spend time with you many teens still report a need to spend one on one time with their parents. Many teens will even go as far as to act out just to get their parents attention and often times parents are just as guilty since they tend to overlook their teens since they generally are so capable of handling their own basic daily needs. But it is never to late: If you are looking for ways to interact with your teen here are some great ideas on things to do with your teenager-
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1. Talk to your teen about his day. Really ask how things went. You may simply get a recitation of the day's events but that can give you a clearer window into what your teen's life is like away from you.
2. Volunteer together. Many parents and teens have found that they can forge a new dimension to their relationship by volunteering together. Teens today are very savvy about what is happening out in the world and want to make a difference. Ask your teen about what they would like to change and make arrangements to volunteer together to serve food to the homeless or build homes for needy families, or do something that is meaningful to you both. You may just find a whole new depth to your relationship as you find out more about your teen.
3. Make your teen his favorite dinner. Don't wait for a special occasion to "honor" your teen or any other family member. Sometimes just a favorite dinner cooked for your teen can let them know you are glad they are in your family. For some fun quality time together get your teen in the kitchen with you and cook together. Sometimes teens feel more like opening up while they are doing something with a parent.
4. Root for you teen. Never miss a chance to let your teen know you are on their side. Whether it is a big test or the big game let your teen know you are rooting for them. Notes with a special treat inside their locker or your attendance at the big match can go along way to letting your teen know that you care about what is important to them.
5. Develop a healthy habit together. If you are wanting to take up jogging, karate or even dance challenge your teen to join you. This can be a way for the two of you to get healthier and closer together all at the same time.
6. Challenge your teen to a year long game marathon. Most teens tend to be highly competitive. If there is game you and your teen both love them challenge them to year long marathon with the ultimate winner providing a great prize for the loser. Sharing fun times together is a great way to get closer to your teen and you may be surprised what is shared over that chess, Monopoly or Scrabble board.
7. Have your teen teach you something. Many teens today are knowledgeable on subjects that are still a mystery to their parents. If you longing to learn how to really use your computer enlist your teen to help you. Buying a new car? Your teenage son may have already done the research on the best models for you. By enlisting your teen to teach you something you are validating their presence in your life and acknowledging how wonderful you really think they are.
