Bonding With Your Teen: Activities You Can Do Together

One of the most pivotal stages in life is the adolescent years. For one, it is a transitional period for our physical, psychological, mental, and emotional development crucial as we shift from puberty to adulthood. Thus, this phase requires utmost care, enough support, and proper guidance from our parents, guardians, and people we care about.

According to studies, failure to provide a child's needs during this stage may affect their health and jeopardise their future leading to substance or alcohol abuse, low self-esteem, and mental health issues. In addition, if this is not addressed correctly, these effects may result in aggression, criminal tendencies, violence, and even suicide. Fortunately, all of these can be avoided using various methods, including spending quality time with them.

Practice driving

From the moment they were born to the stage where they are right now, parents are the children's first mentors. Additionally, life is a constant learning process, and the teenage years are a time to experiment and master skills that can be helpful for them later in life. So, engaging in these activities without making them feel forced is an ideal way to reconnect with your teen.

Teaching them the dos and don'ts of the road can spark small and casual talks that can lead to better and more meaningful conversations allowing you to get to know each other more. Moreover, the thought of them learning the basics from you instead of others who may not even be authorised to teach them these things creates a safe and secure environment for them to become a better part of the community.

Try something they like

Improving your relationship requires much more. First, understand that while your teens are still children, they are on the stage of bridging that gap and learning various changes that may be confusing for them altogether. Therefore, spending quality time doing what they want is a crucial bonding moment for both of you.

This can range from listening to their favourite songs, attending concerts, or knitting outfits that you can wear together using various sewing patterns and designs. However, it is crucial to condition yourself and create a nonjudgmental environment to avoid over-the-top reactions that may hurt their feelings. Additionally, freaking out and raising the tone of your voice will only stop them from opening up to you and may even create a crack in your relationship.

At this point, it is best to practice active listening, keep calm, and take your time to weigh things properly. Avoid being dismissive and comparing your generation to theirs or other people's children to them. Instead, reassure your teen that you can be their safe space and that their input is as vital as yours.

Share chores together

Adolescence can make or break the relationships between parents and teens. They may want to spend less being around you and more time hanging out with their friends. This is normal. So, don't feel bad about it. Instead, give them the space they need and maximise the time and opportunities you have to rekindle your relationship and know them on a deeper level.

One way to do so is by assigning them chores and joining in to help. This, in turn, will serve as your bonding moment as you teach and guide them how to do their duties properly. Furthermore, these age-appropriate household tasks will help them understand crucial life lessons and prepare them for the real world.

Living with and raising your child does not give you all-out access to know and meddle with every facet of their lives. We have to understand that they will have to learn and be their own person at some point, and there will be secrets that they will have to keep to themselves until they decide to share them with you. These are healthy boundaries that we need to accept and respect.

However, this doesn't mean we stop being a parent altogether. They may not be the little boys and girls we used to protect anymore, but they are still our children, and parenting doesn't end there. Instead, it would only have to change and improve for the better.

Additionally, this is a delicate stage for them, so you need to ensure you are not overdoing nor undermining their ability to be themselves. Consider this your chance to bond with them and get to know them more. Thus, make sure to know when to distance yourself and let them stand on their feet, and know when to step in and give them the support they need.