Enjoy Family Fun Time With Your Teens This Summer (Yes, You Read Right)! by Sheryl Gould

I am reading your mind right now: "Family, fun time and teens? All in the same sentence? These words don’t go together in my house! It’s hard enough to get my teen to be seen in a public place with me." I know. I am with you (ouch!). Yes, it’s true, our teenagers are working toward their independence and it’s normal for them to want to spend more time with their friends and less time with us. Rather than a drum roll, we get an eye roll and a less-than-enthusiastic attitude when we mention these two words: family time. Don’t lose hope. Yes, it’s possible to have fun family time – even with teenagers. Here are a few tips to enjoy family time with your teen this summer!

• Include your teen in the decision-making process. Ask them what they would like to do, offer choices, focus on activities they enjoy and even consider letting them invite a friend.

• Don't try to control if they're having fun. This usually backfires. Instead, sit back and enjoy yourself. It's contagious. 

Remember, the goal of family fun time is to spend time together so you can build a better relationship – one of acceptance, where your teen feels safe to be his or her own self and have fun with you.