6 Fun Ways to Connect with your Teenager

Teens can be tricky to connect with sometimes but if you take the time to try you will remember that they are smart, interesting and creative! If you find yourself struggling with an angsty or avoidant teen, give one of these tips a try. Take on the challenge to connect!

How to Connect with your Teens: 6 Top Tips

1: Let Them Teach You

Ask them to teach you something they know how to do. Yes, we are asking you to try skateboarding, dance, soccer, even creating a Youtube video. Being open to their hobbies and interests shows how invested you are in their happiness & enjoyment. It also can be a time for some good laughs along the way. 

2: Play a Game

Play a game! We all need play in our lives. Play is an important part of healthy emotional development and is a great way to blow off steam. Pick a game together and set a timer for 15 minutes. If tensions run high at home or the energy is low and blah, take a 15 minute game break and see what happens. Try a card game, a good old fashioned board game or even fun group games like charades or Pictionary. We love games like Headbands, CodeNames, UNO and Heads Up.

3: Cook Together

Try a new fun recipe together! Do you ever watch cooking shows or baking challenges? Create your own version at home by trying something crazy or out of the ordinary. Make a fun dinner together or bake a unique treat to take to grandma or a friend. Take it a step further and doorbell ditch someone you know with some extra cookies you made. 

4: Listen to their Music

Listen to their music with them. Yes, even if you hate it! Ask you teen to play their favorite song of the moment. Listen to the lyrics and the beat and figure out why they like it. Share some of your favorite songs from when you were their age. Laugh together if they make fun of your music choices. Have fun with it and be easy going. 

5: Nature Calls

Spend time in nature. Depending on the time of year, find something you can do outside together. Go for a fall or winter hike, ride bikes, go to the lake and rent a paddleboard, have a campfire and roast s'mores up the canyon, get out and explore! Nature brings people together and is healing for the soul!

6: Treat Yourselves

Go out for a treat. Find a cool new cafe or cupcake shop. Go out for a fancy smoothie, or hot chocolate. Choose something unique and different. This is a great way to have some talking time in the car or ask them questions about their day. 

To sum it up: it doesn’t really matter what you do with your teen. It’s all about taking the time to create shared happy moments. Don’t forget to be lighthearted. It can make a huge difference in how our teens respond to us! 

Need help getting your teens talking? Sign up for our free question card printables to keep them at the dinner table or in your car.

What do you and your teen like to do together? Comment below!