Fun Ways to Spend More Quality Time with Your Teens This Summer

There comes a time when the dynamics of the parent-child relationship change drastically. Generally, around adolescence, children start to distance themselves from their family as they try to identify with their peers. Though a natural part of the journey, teens still need to know that mom and dad are by their side. Spending one-on-one time together helps them to come to this understanding.

It’s been proven that parents who spend quality time with their teens help to enrich their lives for the better. In fact, they’re more likely to perform better in school, have a higher sense of self, and are less likely to act out, abuse substances, or be persuaded to participate in other reckless activities.

The summer is the perfect time for parents to get ahead of things and spend some much-needed quality time with their teens. Below, is a list of fun ideas you can enjoy together:

Go Bowling

Bowling is a fun family pastime and a great opportunity for you to spend some quality time with your teenager. Make a day of it with your teen. Grab your bowling tote, play a few rounds and enjoy some food and beverages. If you choose a popular bowling alley, they may even have other activities like the arcade and pool.

You can also take the fun quotient up a notch by getting matching bowling shirts like a proper team or squad. This can be a great bonding activity, which you can carry on with for quite some time in the future. Teens love to spend time with their father or mother by playing sports, and bonding over the same. This can be your ‘special’ activity that you do with your children. 

Go Shopping

When it comes to teenagers you can never go wrong with a little shopping trip. The next time you’ve got a few extra bucks in your budget, grab your teen and head to the nearest mall. You can spend time buying a few new things and talking about what’s going on in their life.

Cook Dinner Together

Family mealtimes are special and should be planned at least a few times a week. You can turn it into a special occasion for you and your teen by preparing the meal together. This is your opportunity to teach your child some life skills they’ll need as they get older. You can learn healthy recipes and share a meal with the rest of your loved ones.

Take a Vacation

Have you ever taken a trip with just you and your teens? The summertime is ideal as they’re out of school. Plan a weekend getaway to a fun destination like San Diego, California or Miami, Florida. You can hit the beach, go shopping, and even rent jet skis from businesses like SD Adventures. You’ll have a blast away from home just enjoying each other’s company.

Play Video Games

Sometimes you’ve got to let your inner child come out to really connect with your teens. On one of your lazy summer weekends, why not have fun playing video games together? Even if you don’t know how to play the latest games you’ll get a kick out of learning with your teen.

Get Outdoors

Just being outside enjoying the weather can be a nice way to spend some quality time with your teen. Whether you go to the park, go on a hike, ride bikes, rollerskate, or throw around a football, it will get you guys active and boost your mood.

Lazy Night In

They may not want to admit it but your teens are never too old for some good old cuddling, snacks, and movies with their parents. Pick a few of their favorite flicks from streaming services or rent from a nearby DVD kiosk. Then, make some snacks, grab a bunch of pillows, and pile up on your bed for a lazy night in.

Teenagers deal with so much in their lives. From trying to succeed in school and struggling to fit in, to addiction and social pressures, they’ve got a lot going on. Though you may not be as close as you once used to be, quality time is an opportunity for you to reconnect and let them know you’re there. So, pencil some time off from work this summer, hire sitters for the younger children, and try some of these one-on-one ideas with your teenager.