5 Ways to Spend Quality Time with Your Teen

5 Ways to Spend Quality Time with Your Teen

“The best thing you can spend on your kids is time,” – quoted Arnold Glasow.

During the early stages of a child’s life, his or her parents are the most important figures for him or her. Their love, approval, and support are critical to him or her, and the latter makes an effort to win his or her parents’ love. However, this bond changes when a child enters his or her teenage years. Their attitudes and behaviors undergo a sea change because of various external influences.

Teenagers require ample positive attention. They prefer to spend more time with their friends rather than their family. An emotional rift can easily form between teenagers and their parents if a deliberate effort is not made to spend time with them. It is important to remember that the quality of time spent is more important than the quantity of time spent.

“It is easy to be a good parent to a good child, but what makes a good parent is dealing with and being there for a difficult child; that is a real good parent.”

Study proves that if teens spend more time with their parents, they develop higher self-esteem and have better social skills than the ones who spend less time or no time. A 2016 study found that spending quality time with parents serves as an authentic predictor of the academic aspirations of teenagers.

Before we explore the ways in which parents/guardians can spend quality time with their teens, let us have a quick peek into the steps to spend quality time with them.

1. Try to know what they prefer to do for “fun.”
2. Accompany them when they involve in the activities they like.
3. Express your eagerness to learn something new from them.
4. Teach them something worthwhile you already know.
5. Find out or try to invent something that inspires innovation.
6. Share a meal together.
7. Challenge each other and encourage competitiveness.
8. Exchange stories.

Though it is difficult for parents to divide time between their day-to-day responsibilities and the moments they spend with their teens, it is essential that parents interact with them on a regular basis.

Ways to spend quality time with your teens

1. Say No To Technology

Internet, social media, cell phones, television, and the like are highly distracting. They consume a precious part of our time. Parents should keep these distractions away and encourage their teens to do the same when interacting with them.

2. Take Time Off For Family Vacations

Going out for holidays with your teens and the planning preceding the vacation bring parents and children close. Not only this helps in overcoming boredom and fatigue, but it also proves to be a great way to bond with your teen.

3. Let Your Teen Know That You Are Eager To Be A Part Of Their World

At times, it is important that parents get involved in the activities that their teens enjoy, even if they themselves do not enjoy those. For example, it can be watching a silly romantic comedy or giggling over adolescent jokes. It may also mean playing action-filled video games or getting excited over an upcoming outdoor event.

4. A Family That Eats Together, Stays Together

Eating together with your teen is an amazing way to spend quality time with them. This helps your teen to vent out their day-to-day frustration, share their views, and unwind. It is a reciprocal activity as parents can let their wards know that they are always with them no matter what.

5. Re-live Your Teenage Days

One of the best ways to spend quality time with your teen is to become a teen yourself once again. This can be done in multiple ways: engage in a hobby together, exercise or go for a walk/drive together, learn something new, discuss current events, share your adolescent fears and dreams with your teen, and so on. You may also cook/bake together.

Remember, it is easy to boss your teen and judge them. But the need of the hour is not to judge them. Spending quality with your teen will ensure that tomorrow they will grow into confident, wise, and caring adults.

Benjamin Franklin rightly expressed,

“Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.”

Posted by:
Swatika

Digital Account Manager