IT'S NOVEMBER!!! The festive time of year where everyone is busy making plans for the holiday season. As adults we worry about things like transporting the green bean casserole to grandma’s house without it spilling over and if cousin Larry is going to drink too much beer again this year. En route to grandma’s house we excitedly mention how fun the day will be because Aunt Sally is coming to town this year to celebrate with all of us. We wait for a response from our teenager who is busy snapchatting the latest pouty face to all of her friend group. “Ugh do we have to stay long?” STOP and BREATHE before going into a full-blown lecture about disrespect. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to do that later because, after all, teens have a way of pressing our buttons again AND again.
5 WAYS TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR TEEN
1-Keep in mind that their smartphone is a source of connection and security for them. Let them have it with them because chances are that if you engage them more then they won’t be on it as much.
2-Break out an interactive card or board game and pair everyone up with a partner. Teenagers often don’t like to be singled out because they feel judged and self-conscious. Partner them up with someone they feel comfortable with. Left right center can be played with dollar bills and nothing entices teenagers like money does but if you aren’t into gambling, substitute money for starburst.
3-Give them a task to do. Grandpa needs help getting the tree down from the attic. Grandma needs extra hands in the kitchen. Cousin Bobby wants to play catch. You get the idea.
4-Let the kids hang out outside if they want to. They will probably fuse together once they are away from the adults.
5-Secretly whisper to Uncle Herman that Tallulah won first place in the art contest at school. Teenagers can be hard to engage in conversation, but they usually open up and feel more comfortable when discussing something they are passionate about.
GOOD LUCK and HAVE A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Tara
