How to Keep Your Teens Busy to Help Them Thrive

You remember the day you found out you were pregnant. Before you knew it, you were holding that little bundle of joy in your arms. After that there were first steps, first day of school, and endless stories at bedtime. But then something happened. Overnight those cute darlings turned into… teens. Now you feel like your 12-year old is from another planet! 

You hear horror stories about the teen years, and you don’t want to be one of those families. While it’s true teens face physical, emotional, and social challenges at this age, you can help them get through this transformational time. These tips will help you keep your teens busy in ways that will help them flourish. Keep these ideas in mind when buying gifts for teens so they will have everything they need to succeed.

Take Advantage of Their Peer Group

Teens face academic pressure starting in middle school. They worry about getting into the “right” high school program, choosing the right college, and preparing for SATs. These are weighty things for someone who isn’t even old enough to drive a car or get a tattoo.

There are several ways you can help your child.

• Suggest they invite friends over to study together. This way, they get to spend time with peers while improving in school. Statistics show kids retain more when studying in groups. Make sure you keep tasty snacks on hand for brain power. Also provide supplies like paper, pens, erasers, etc.

• Invest time in online academic help or tutoring after school if they still feel like they are falling behind. The extra time spent will help them build confidence. Plus it is an important life lesson about overcoming obstacles.

Strengthen Parent/Child Bonds

Peer groups become a priority at this age. Your kids may start showing you less affection or be short tempered. It is easy to mistake this for negative peer influence. However, this is part of normal development. 

During adolescence children’s capacity for complex thought expands. This along with their increasing social contact makes them realize that you might not always be right. Kids are likely to argue and push boundaries at home where they feel safe. That doesn’t mean they don’t need you.

To create a stronger bond with your teen, spend one on one time doing an activity such as going out to lunch, playing laser tag, or taking in a movie. Better yet, let them choose the activity. They may balk at first, but it will be worth it for both of you. The stronger your bond, the more likely they will be to turn to you in times of need.

Make Your House the Neighborhood Hangout

Set up your house so the kids want to spend time there. Stock it with activities, like a basketball hoop, soccer ball, decks of cards, or a foam dart set. Provide tasty munchies. Not only will your teens and their friends keep busy, but you will get to know who your teens are hanging out with. It will be easy to get to know their friends when they are around often. Avoid having them get bored. You don’t want them ending up at someone else’s house with less supervision.

Encourage School Activities

In addition to sports, most secondary schools have numerous social and academic clubs, such as debate and drama. Some schools even have a video game club! These provide structured interaction with peers and give teens opportunities to explore new interests. In addition to being a productive use of time, school activities can provide avenues for teens to display leadership skills.

School clubs often have parent booster organizations or need volunteers for fundraisers. This is another great way for you to get to know more about your children and their friends. Volunteering also lets your kids know you support them and their school.

Keep Them Moving

While it is easy for them to hole up in their rooms, staying active is the key. Physical activity helps decrease mental and emotional stress. Make sure they stay involved in at least one physical hobby. Plus, sports help them gain control over their awkward changing bodies while keeping them healthy.

Give Them Some Down Time

With schoolwork, sports, after school activities, and time with peers, teens also need some down time. Make sure they have a creative outlet like drawing, playing guitar, or building Legos to express themselves when they are alone. 

By providing activities that will help them develop physically, socially, and emotionally, you will be providing them a foundation for future success.