How to Spend Quality Time With a Teen

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:SpendQualityTimeWithTeen
Post By :
Anonymous
Rate:
Vote

How to Spend Quality Time With a Teen

Introduction

Spending quality time with your children is a goal that is important for most parents. It is easy to spend time with your baby, toddler or child. Once he becomes a teenager, however, life changes. He is busy with school, friends and possibly work, and family life can become frantic. But, if you have patience and ingenuity, it is possible to continue to spend quality time with your teenager. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

At Home

Steps

1

Step One

Cook together. Time spent chopping and stirring in the family kitchen gives a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your teen. She knows she will soon be cooking for herself and so may be more than happy for a few lessons from you.
2

Step Two

Eat together. Although modern life makes it increasingly difficult for families to eat dinner together, research shows that time spent around the table together builds family relationships and connectedness. This is a perfect opportunity for you and your teen to talk.
3

Step Three

Talk together. Believe it or not, your teen is anxious to let you know what is going on in his life. Be sure you are available to listen whenever the mood strikes: morning, noon or midnight.

Away From Home

Steps

1

Step One

Shop together. Although this may sometimes be a little frustrating, shopping with your teen allows you to get to know her and her tastes. Spend a little quality time in the mall once a month to form a closer bond with your teen.
2

Step Two

Camp together. Many of us remember camping stories from our own families and are eager to pass those memories on to our teenagers. Camping removes the distractions of every day life and allows you to focus on forming a close relationship with your teen.
3

Step Three

Play together. Whether your teen enjoys Monopoly or PS3, surprise him by spending an hour or two once a week over his favorite game.
4

Step Four

Volunteer together. Look for volunteer opportunities in your community and invite your teen to come and help. Not only will you both feel good about yourselves, you will also have a chance to spend quality time together.
5

Step Five

Go out together. Head for your favorite coffee shop and have cappuccino or green tea or cokes with your teen at least once a week. This will give you a quiet time to build your relationship with her.
Tools: |