Tips for Parents: Have Fun!

When was the last time you just hung out and had fun with your teenager? Chances are that between work and home responsibilities it’s been awhile. Spending time together on activities you both enjoy is a great way to stay close to your teen without it seeming like you’re “parenting”! Think your child won’t want to spend time with you? Think again and try some of the tips listed below. Not only will you have fun together, but you can each learn things about each other in the process.

Do something physical
Getting physical allows you both to work off daily frustrations and stress. Go bike riding, jogging, play catch, or bowl. Enjoy team sports? Try it together. It’s a great way to develop team building skills and you’ll see yourselves as teammates working toward a shared goal – winning – instead of rivals battling over curfews.

Laugh
Rent some silly, slapstick movie. Borrow a karoke machine. Crank up the music and teach your teen the dance steps from your generation. Hold a contest to share your lamest jokes. You can’t be mad at each other if you’re too busy laughing!

Cook up some fun
Everyone loves home-made cookies. Make your own pizzas. Tacos can be a team-building activity. Someone chops . . . someone stirs .. . someone bakes. . . everyone eats! Use the time to teach a new skill and catch up on what’s going on in each other’s lives.

Plan some parent/teen time
Stop by the local coffee/tea/juice bar just the two of you. Nothing formal, no cross-examining them about their life – just a friendly chat. Be open and responsive to what they’re saying. Let them set the tone. Remember to ask open-ended questions, and most important, listen to their answers.

Drop a line every once in a while
Don’t just send cards and letters on birthdays. Did your child do something that made you proud. Send her a card. Write her a note. It can be handwritten or electronic through email, but it’s definitely the thought that counts.  Don’t use it to lecture or nag, but for special moments when you want him to have some tangible proof of your feelings. Sure it will feel silly at first, but once you start you’ll find they mean a lot – to both of you!