My boys are typical teens. They tune me out, eat up all my food, play video games, and sleep. And if I allowed them, that is all they would do. But, not in my house. From time to time, I take their devices and implement family night. Yes! Mandatory togetherness. Lol! Real talk! As they get older, their interests change and sometimes, they don’t want to hang with us. I know. Our babies are growing up. Read on for my 3 of my ways to bond with your kids and ward off the “I’m a teen” syndrome.
1. Family Night
On fam nights, we watch a movie on Netflix or cable. Usually, Netflix causes cable = Same ole same ole. I let them pick. If it’s scary, it immediately gets axed! Ain’t nobody got time for that. So, we come to a happy medium usually around comedy and action.
I used to fuss mightily about the content in movies. Mightily! It all had to be rated G. But, I found they had heard those words elsewhere and were unphased. So, we might see a movie with some strong language, i.e. a Kevin hart special or Katt Williams. I know. Don’t judge me. (Aren’t all of them overboard these days?)
The point is! We have fun. They end up not regretting 2 hours away from their precious games, and we have the stuff to talk about later.
I order out or cook. I also make sure to have popcorn on hand. The younger one loves the stuff! Me, too!
If movies aren’t your thang, you can play board games, tell stories, go play miniature golf or bumper cars, laser tag (which I slay at), etc. The point is … do something together.
2. Work out together
Well, it depends on how old your kids are when you think of this. Mine are teens. I actually use them to help me stay in shape.
Sure they have more energy but I don’t care. They like the competition. I like being in shape. Win/Win!
We go running or we go to the gym. We don’t do this often because they workout with school. But, sometimes I get them out with me and it ends up being the most fun.
I use this time to ask sneaky unsuspecting probing questions. Haha!!! Insert maleficent laugh. And they tell me! That’s what cracks me up. So use family time as a way to get the skinny. Listen, boys think about sports and games. Don’t beat em! Join ’em!
3. Solve a problem together
I had a washer issue (still do but I’m over it). Thanks, Sears! Anyway, my boys and I have worked on that thing together. They have been able to gain real-life experience as my partners in home maintenance.
Now, the fact that it still leaks hasn’t stopped the fact that we bonded over discussing the tomfoolery of it all. They have been able to see what you do when you own things. If it breaks, you fix it or pay someone. Trust me! This lesson, they will not forget.
Other problems you can solve with your kids: transportation, schedule conflicts, meal planning, chores, etc. Let them learn now how to negotiate and make decisions for the greater good. Of course, you have the final say. But, they can play.
I pray these tips to give you ideas on how to reconnect or bond even more with your teens. None of us were perfect. Our kids won’t be either. Remind them of that and watch them blossom as you all build forward.
Now, go rock the life you got! And…
Do It Anyway!
