Cool At-Home Activities To Bond With Teens

 

As parents, we want to build strong relationships with our children. As they reach the teen years, it can be a bit challenging to find cool things to do together. Bonding with teens doesn't require an elaborate plan - simple at-home activities can encourage connection and conversation. Thanks to LoveToKnow.com for sharing easy-going activities that can be planned at home to help families make memories.

Build a Fire – Who can resist the warmth of a crackling fire? Doesn’t have to be a special occasion, let it be spontaneous – start a fire, your teen will come to you. A warm fire creates a relaxing atmosphere for laid-back conversation. Fire pits or bonfires are fun at any age…add s’mores fixings, hot cocoa, snacks and enjoy!

Tackle a Project Together – Fun ideas from rebuilding a car to starting a home garden can be great ways for teens to get their hands dirty and learn new skills. Or redecorate their bedroom, create a family game room, or build an outdoor deck. Projects are a great way to spend time together talking as you work. Give teens some control over planning/executing a project and they may jump in voluntarily! 

Learn a TikTok Dance – Even if you’re not social media savvy your teen is, so join the fun. See what they think about teaching you a TikTok dance or playing a viral game on the app together. Let them decide what the activity is so it feels more like their idea. You may surprise them as well as yourself about how much you enjoy it!

When In Doubt, Play It Out – Parents often give kids a hard time about video games, but if you can’t beat them, join them in a video game tournament. Ask your teen to show you the ropes of a new gaming system and battle it out – stock up on their favorite snacks and soft drinks and enjoy laughs and friendly competition. If you still have your old Xbox or Nintendo around, break it out so they can see what gaming was back in the dinosaur age. This could be the start of a great family tradition!

Bake Up A Memory – Baking is a great way to bond and inspire quality time you’ve been craving. This time, let your teen take the lead to bake up treats for the whole family. You’ll all enjoy the experience, as well as the baked goods, and they may even discover a new hobby.

Next week we'll share ideas for fun outings outside of the house that you and your teen may enjoy!