Today’s teenagers are busier than in past generations, and probably a lot busier than you ever were at their age. Add to that the push and pull of social media and the draw of being with their friends or significant others, and you might find that you do not spend much quality time with them anymore. Well, now is the best time to change the things you do with your teens and begin to spend more quality time with one another. Here are some ideas you both will enjoy.
Go to an indoor family fun park.
Indoor fun parks are perfect for your whole family. Your teens might balk at going, at first, but they will cheer right up and get excited once you arrive at the indoor family fun park. There are so many fun things you can do together that they might not even realize they are hanging out with their family, or gasp – their parents.
Spend the day playing golf, laser tag, go-karts, indoor roller coaster, movie theater ride, bounce beach, spin zone, and wave rider. You can challenge one another or just laugh along side-by-side. Be sure to take a lot of pictures!
Create backyard games together.
Playing games in your own backyard is relaxing, engaging, and fun. If you do not own any of the usual standards, like bean bag toss, you can create your own! That will make the time you spend with your teen even more memorable. Find a local woodworking co-op or use your own woodworking tools if you have them. This is the perfect time to teach your teen how to use them and give them a life skills lesson in the process. If they already know how to operate the equipment, you can work together.
Watch this short video to learn about five DIY yard games you can make and have fun with in your own backyard.
Bake something delicious together.
Your teen might have learned how to bake from watching you or by being your sous chef in the kitchen over the years. However, as they have grown up, they may no longer be present when you bake. You can change that and create a fun experience together.
Ask your teen who their favorite food celebrity or influencer is. Sit down and watch a few TikToks, Reels, or YouTube videos. Ask them to select something tasty to bake and to research the recipe. They should check the pantry, fridge, or freezer for ingredients and put the rest on the grocery list. Make your time more memorable and go shopping together. Once you are home, ask them to put on the video and bake along. Showing them you are interested in what they recommend will create new touchpoints in your relationship.
Now that you have some fun ideas on how to spend more time with your teen, you can incorporate them into your life. Take them to an indoor family fun park, bake something delicious, and create some backyard games that you will enjoy playing. Your teen will appreciate your efforts more than you know.
