Making Memories: Top 5 Ways To Spend Time With Your Teen

It's no secret that kids grow up very quickly. One minute you read them stories each night before they go to bed, and the next, they borrow your car to go to the mall or research which college they'd like to enroll in when they finish high school.

Teenagers go through many changes in their lives, many of which are hormonal, and as a parent, you may find it challenging to be on the same wavelength at times. Moreover, you may spend less time with them as they age.

You're likely reading this because you want to bond more with your teenage son or daughter, and you'd like to make memories during your quality time together. To that end, here are some top ideas to consider that you and your teenager will love:

Enjoy A Hobby Together

It should come as no surprise that enjoying a hobby together is a perfect way to bond with your teenager. A mutually-enjoyable pastime is fun and boosts both people's self-esteem, plus it gives you something to talk about and plan for the future.

For example, if you both enjoy hunting, you could equip yourselves with some kit from Pulsar and head down to your local shooting range or go hunting in the backcountry.

Plan Outdoors Adventures

What's great about the outdoors is how there is almost limitless potential for fun and engaging family activities.
For example, you and your teenager could go exploring by hiking for a few miles or during the summer months, camping off the beaten track and learning to be fully self-sustainable.
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Or, you may both prefer a cycling tour of your area, taking in some breathtaking scenery and improving your physical health in the process.

Consider Volunteering

If you both enjoy helping other people as much as possible, one way to do a few good deeds while spending quality time together is by volunteering.

You could both volunteer for a local charity or wish to travel further afield to help families less fortunate than yourselves.
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There's no shortage of volunteering opportunities out there, and you could ask people you know to sponsor you both in some way to increase your charity's fundraising efforts.

​Plan A Weekly Movie Night

It's never been easier to watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters or classics from yesteryear, thanks to streaming entertainment services like Netflix.

Consider planning a weekly movie night with your teenager where you can both chill out and relax together, munching on some popcorn and snacks and enjoying being in each other's company.

You could even join a local movie theater club where you get discounted tickets or upgrades to better seats if you'd prefer to watch movies on the big screen.

Go On Fun Road Trips Together

One final idea to spend more time bonding with your teenage son or daughter is by going on planned or spontaneous road trips together! It's always fun to hit the open road and discover new places and points of interest.