It's sometimes difficult to find ways to be involved with your teen without totally intruding in his/her life. You want to talk to them, they don't want to talk to you (most of the time anyway). I've found the best way to connect with my teenage daughter is to enter her world and do the things she likes to do. There's a saying that if you want to understand your child's world you have to play with them, no matter how old they are.
You don't always have to be even directly interacting with your teen in order to be involved in their world. Just being around the same influences they are, and taking an interest in their activities, lets them know that you care and that you understand what they deal with from day to day. Then later, at home, you can talk about the things you have experienced together. It's a great way to connect. Here are some ways my teenage daughter and I have spent time together:
As you can see, not all of these activities involve me actually talking to and hanging out with my daughter. You know as well as I do that our teens don't always want us hanging around them. I'm happy for the time I do get to spend with my daughter, for the little time I have left with her. When we have things in common my daughter is much more likely to talk to me and share her feelings with me. When I don't know what she experiences, it is very hard for me to relate what she is going through. These shared experiences have opened up many more opportunities for us to share and connect that we wouldn't otherwise have.
About The Author
Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For more inspirational articles and tips for everyday living, visit her web sites at http://www.creativehomemaking.com and http://www.christian-parent.com
It's sometimes difficult to find ways to be involved with... Read More
Your Virgo Baby..August 23 - September 22Virgo children are honest... Read More
No matter what you say or do, your kids will... Read More
I hear from many parents that their child is stressed... Read More
Gift shops are a kid magnet and often a trip... Read More
Are you a frustrated parent who sometimes finds it is... Read More
Elana, born in Russia, was told "We really don't know... Read More
When my oldest boy was really young, he tickled my... Read More
Winifred or Willow? Thomas or Troy? The name you choose... Read More
Research has shown that the present generation of children worldwide... Read More
First there were Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals). Then came the... Read More
My husband and I have a 12-year-old daughter who wanted... Read More
This article on parenting is by a practicing relationship counsellor/therapist,... Read More
Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More
I am sure that this list can be jogged and... Read More
The formula is pretty straightforward: energy in/energy out. This is... Read More
What's hard for teenagersHaving people who don't understand you trying... Read More
Often I will hear parents say, "I just ignore Jr.... Read More
It's the third time this week that Sam has complained... Read More
What a dreamer I am when thinking about parenthood. Most... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
Learning responsibility is an ever widening and lifelong process.As thinking,... Read More
In a consumer-driven society that broadcasts values you don't approve... Read More
It was at that time when our marriage was falling... Read More
Look around: Your kids are counting sleeps until the last... Read More
Q. We recently caught our son smoking pot, and we... Read More
For the first year or two of life outside the... Read More
There may really be a real monster under your kidâ??s... Read More
It can be hard being a parent with a teen... Read More
When it's time to put your child into a daycare... Read More
What is child sexual abuse? Any sexual activity that is... Read More
What's new and effective in the treatment of Attention problems?... Read More
I had just completed a session with 17-year old Julie... Read More
Adderall is a stimulant medication used in the treatment of... Read More
Although many children are picky eaters at some stage in... Read More
There are millions of young children in this country who... Read More
"Setting the alarm on Sunday mornings is inhuman?..God should know... Read More
Assuming there are no serious motor problems present, what can... Read More
I am in pain. I've been in pain all day.... Read More
As a hypnotherapist, I am acutely aware of the power... Read More
Many families, ours included, have learned that breakfast is eaten... Read More
If You're Having Twins..is it double the headache, or double... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
Age 1: Invite only family members and close friends only... Read More
Many families do not want to believe their child is... Read More
Not Letting Them Think.We all implicitly know that anything questioning... Read More
When kids try new things, sometimes it's a 'fit' and... Read More
Once, as a Learning Support Teacher, I made my way... Read More
Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still... Read More
During the assessment process it is of great importance for... Read More
Even though the "Stop and Think" movement in ADHD treatment... Read More
The hot new reality TV show "Nanny 911" has been... Read More
John was a 43 year-old sales manager at a large... Read More
Why do some children still do best after divorce and... Read More
Best friends! It may seem impossible to believe, but today's... Read More
In elementary school it's pretty straightforward: bringing in cupcakes to... Read More
Voices have a way of falling into a pattern, not... Read More
"Walk through any toy store and you will see walls... Read More
Depending on where you live school will be starting this... Read More
Learning obedience is an important part of child development. This... Read More
The key to a successful car wash fundraiser event is... Read More
Parents are in a unique position to "monitor" their children's... Read More
An address given by Rev. David B. Smith... Read More
Identity and Your Fraternal TwinFor the most part, throughout this... Read More
Dear MomOn this day set aside to honour "Mother's" let... Read More
No matter what you say or do, your kids will... Read More
Parenting |