3 Fun Activities to Do with Your Teen

When was the last time you did something fun with your teen? Most parents must go back to before their teen years to answer this. Although your teen is growing up, and he or she has changed, you can still have fun with him or her.

The key to having fun with your teen is not to force it. Teens don’t enjoy being forced to do things. Part of what teens long for is the ability to make decisions for themselves. When you force them to do something, they will likely decline or make the time miserable for both of you.

Instead, try these fun activities to do with your teen and give them some control of the situation. Giving teens the ability to choose goes a long way to creating trust and connection.

3 Fun Activities to Do with Your Teen

1. Go to a game or concert with your teen.

Think about what your teen likes. Does she love soccer? Does he always listen to a certain kind of music? See what you can do that falls within his or her interest. It may not be what you would choose, but this is about doing something your teen loves so you can be with him or her.

Try going to a local sporting event or check out a live band at a restaurant. See what your teen might like and give it a try. Remember, the key is for you to try something he or she likes without judgment.

2. Play their game or try their app.

Don’t do this on their devices but see what you can learn about the games or apps teens enjoy. Is there a video game your son is always playing, an online puzzle your teen is always solving, or a social media app she uses daily? Give it a try. Find things you like about it. Share your progress with your teen. When you need help (which you likely will) ask your teen. This allows him or her to be the expert on something.

3. Have movie time.

You can watch movies on your teen’s list of things to watch, but you can also use this time creatively. Consider playing a movie he or she loved as a kid. Your teen may scoff when you put it on, but they will likely end up next to you with a hand in the popcorn bowl.

Another fun idea is to show your teen a movie from your youth. Consider something that you loved and ask him or her to watch it with you. You can even watch your movie and the more recent remake, challenging him or her to see which is better.

A movie theme challenge is always fun too. See if you can watch all the Marvel movies in order together or make it the season of chick flicks. No matter how you do it, go in with an open mind and be willing to laugh at how dated your movies are. Teens love to see how much cooler they are than their parents.

Don’t force your time with your teen.

No matter what you do, you can’t force fun. You can try all sorts of ways to have fun together, but if it feels ingenuine or forced, your teen will run in the other direction. Instead, be available. Be open to connection and see what happens.

If you need help or ideas for ways to enjoy the teen years, a counselor at Flower Mound Christian Counseling in Texas can help. Reach out to our office today to schedule your risk-free initial appointment.