Spending time with your kids can seem like an obstacle when you are parenting teenagers, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of being a parent. You may be lucky enough to have teens that are already keen to spend time with you on a regular basis, but some families can find it harder to bridge the generation gap to share quality time together*.
What were you like as a teenager?
If you think back to when you were a teenager, it might help you realise how your own teen is feeling. Did you have any awkward stages where you felt like you didn't fit in? What did you do for fun? How did you perform at school? If you can remember back to the old days, you might be able to compare your own teen years with those of teens today. You may realise that there are parallels between the two, which might help you to associate with how your own child is feeling.
The pressures of the teen years
Being a teenager can be a stressful experience. These are the years where your children may begin to develop friendships and relationships, start balancing school, exams, and their first job, as well as experiencing changes in their own bodies. Having your teen confide these pressures to you can help you understand what is going on inside their head, and may also create a bond of trust between you both.
Quality time
Spending time together may not always be harmonious; you need to consider the pressures your teen is facing, and perhaps the stresses you face in your own life. If you know your teen has exams coming up, why not offer to help them study or suggest that you quiz them after they have reviewed their notes? When you are both ready for some downtime, try to create a positive atmosphere to enjoy. This is where you can share your interests to choose activities to relish together.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Bowling or miniature golf
• Paintballing or laser quest
• Comedy night or music concert
• Baking and cooking
• Various sporting activities
• Cinema or theatrical performance
However, you do not necessarily need to spend money to enjoy time together; it could be as simple as playing frisbee in the garden. Why not take turns suggesting activities? This way you will both be likely to be able to try something new, and will also find new topics to discuss together.
About this Author
*To find out more about parenting teenagers, visit the parenting section of the support library on the Relate for Parents website: http://www.relateforparents.org.uk/resources.php
Angela Lakenhurst has an interest in family in the home issues such as parenting teenagers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Lakenhurst
