Teenage years are a time of transition and a time when teenagers figure out their personalities, likes and dislikes. Teenagers at this junction often drift away from their parents and move towards their extended social circle. This is a normal progression in every individual’s life. But sadly, parents often feel that they are losing their children in the process of them growing up. Teenagers don’t drift away from parents intentionally. Hence, parents can connect with their teenagers only if they put in a little extra effort. There are many things that parents can do with their teens to connect with them.
1. Have Dinner Together
A family that eats together, stays together. This is a classic quote that holds a lot of truth in it. A family that eats together communicate with each and share details with each other. A dinner table conversation can bring a family closer. Hence, parents can seize this opportunity to get closer to their teens. Parents can interact with their teens and find out about their inner circle of friends, pranks they pulled and many other things that otherwise they wouldn’t share. So, make your dinner a fun event so that your children can open up to you.
2. Cook A Meal Together
Cooking is a really fun family activity in which every member of a family can take part. Children love good and tasty food. So, when you tell them that you are making something that they like; they will jump on-board in no time. And teenagers like to feel that their parents trust them and see them as capable individuals. So, when you ask a teenager to help you out in making something that he or she like eating, he or she will definitely say yes to that. This will be a great way to bond with your teen and get to know him or her a little better.
3. Find A Family Activity To Enjoy
Teenagers become very independent at this age and generally like to do things on their own. But that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t enjoy a family tradition. There must be some activity that you would enjoy doing with your teen. So, you can use that activity to bond with your teen and enjoy some time with him or her. Children can grow up really fast. So, before you know you will run out of time with them. So, use this time you have in your hand to create some memories that both you and your teen can cherish all through your lives. Activities like horse-riding, fishing, bowling etc. can be a great way for you to bond with your fast growing child.
4. Engage In Some Community Work Together
This is a wonderful way to both bond with and teach your teen some important values in life. Community service is a way of giving back to the society. As a parent, you can either teach your children good values or you can show them by practicing those yourselves. Your children are more likely to follow you when you lead by example. So, you can involve your teen with you when you are doing social volunteering. This will help your teen to imbibe some great values.
5. Share Their Stories
Every teenager dreads it when his or her parents start to tell embarrassing stories about him or her. But no matter how embarrassing the stories might be; they always make everyone feel loved and happy. So, share funny stories from their childhood with them. This will help your children feel more connected with you.
6. Express Your Love For Them
Parents often stop showing their love to their teens thinking that it might embarrass them. And that is probably true, but it will also make them feel loved and more connected to their parents. Nobody wants to be raised by cold and distant parents. So, show them your love with your words, hugs and emotions.
Teenage is a difficult time for all teenagers. But having a wonderful family can be a great way to grow up. So, create a loving atmosphere for your teen to come back to.
