“He has no interests!”, “She is doing her own things and we have nothing to talk about”, “He is glued to his smartphone and is not interested in anything else”.
If you have a teenager at home, the phrases above may sound familiar. Or it may be even worse…
Many parents of teenagers know that it is very important not to lose contact with their child during this difficult time. But not too many know how to achieve that. The best way is to regularly spend quality (!) time together. Not to discuss grades or lecture them about life – not at all! But only to have fun together.
What can you do with your teen?
1. Play computer or video games.
This is an awesome way to spend time together! It doesn’t matter what you will do: play SimCity or shoot-them-up, fight in “Mortal Combat”, or wander around in a magical universe with Witcher. What matters is that you do it together! And besides – playing a game on the phone also works. I, for example, play with my daughter running a restaurant or building a farm. It’s a great way to bond!
2. Create a tradition to go to a coffee shop once a week.
Good coffee, soft music, pleasant conversation… This creates an atmosphere where everyone feels good and comfortable. You can let the conversation flow freely or choose in advance a topic for discussion (a movie, a recent event, etc.) Besides, this is a great way to learn something about your growing child’s life and opinions.
3. You can watch a movie or an anime together.
It would be great to do this regularly. Get ready for the occasion: make good tea, buy candies, jams, popcorn, or pizza, or maybe a platter of fruits or veggies – whatever works best for you! ? And then, you should discuss the movie with your child – what did each of you notice?
4. Cook!
Pies, dumplings, rolls, pizza – it doesn’t matter. The main thing is that you do it together, with love and enjoyment. This is a great way to bond! Especially if later you gobble it all up – also together!
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5. Learn something new
It would be best if you both “start from zero”. Painting, playing flute, making dollhouses, skateboarding or snowboarding, learning German, etc. The main thing is to choose something that you both like.
6. Build or assemble something
Puzzles, models of spaceships or aircrafts, dollhouses – there are plenty of options!
7. Read together.
No, you do not need to read classical literature. Even definitely not that. Pay attention to what your child likes. It could be something special – manga, comic books, graphic novels, for example. They are quite interesting – you should try them!
8. Go to a concert by your child’s favorite band
Why not? Please leave the mask of condescension at home (“how can you listen to that?”). But try to see the concert through the eyes of your child. It will do you good! You may even like it…
There are tons of interesting options! The main thing is to broaden your understanding of what is “right” and “wrong”. Being a parent does not mean that you need to be boring and controlling. It may be very interesting to spend time with a parent! A parent is someone who can provide support when needed, someone who always grows and does not stagnate, and someone who can serve as a great role model. It is quite possible to become a parent like that.
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