As our teens begin to mature, it is easy to fall into the rut of responsibilities. "Did you get your school work finished?" "Did you do your chores?" The list goes on… With their new-found responsibility comes the need to practice it. They truly begin to seem more grown up.
But we must remind ourselves that they are not grown up yet. Yes, they are maturing. Yes, they need to be more responsible. But they also still need us~ even though they try to act as if they don't. They still need to feel loved by us. They still need to have fun with their parents.
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| Have you ever played the Ha-Ha Game? |
Everyone needs to be silly sometimes, and teens are really good at doing that on their own. They don't need us to teach them to be silly and have fun. But they do need fun with us. We can't be the task master all the time. We need to take the time to stop the busyness of life to be silly with our teens. It may seem frivolous, but it's crucial. We are shaping our growing relationship with them as young adults.
What better way to raise a confident adult who feels loved and is happy to spend time with their family? So go on and play the "Ha-Ha Game" with your teens. Get your silly on. Their future may depend on it.
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Have you done something fun with your teen lately? What's your favorite fun activity with your teen or family?
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One of my favorite times is our annual ski vacation. We ski, eat, and watch movies. It's a great time with as many of my children (and grandchildren) as can make it.
This is such good advice. I try to remember with my teen that she is so much like me. And I LOVE a good time. 🙂 It's so hard sometimes to realize, but if I like something, then my teen probably will too. And yes, she DOES want my love and attention even if it is so often in her timing and on her terms. I see that she seeks after it and needs it.