My DH is at a slight loss on how to engage with his teenagers in the evenings. They are from his 1st marriage - with us one night a week and even second weekend but also for longer periods (2 - 3 weeks) quite frequently. When younger it was all games / art etc and playing and then in the recent years it has been watching specific TV shows or films but now DS (15) and DD (14) are increasingly on their devices and often preferring going back in to their rooms. My DH is increasingly feels he is not connecting with them. If he suggests that they watch something with him it is often half hearted on their side and usually with the phone in one hand - although they are asked not to do this. However we also have my two children DD (17) and DS (14) who live with us who also are like this but because he doesn't see his DC quite as often he feels that he needs to engage with them more while they are with us.
Personally I feel that it's all pretty normal teenage behaviour - we do loads with the DC at the weekends, lots of outdoor activities, support them in all their education/sports/clubs etc, always have dinners together and have a pretty harmonious time. They obviously have after school activities and homework and seem to need/enjoy their hour or so of downtime communicating with their friends. But I do feel for my DH who feels he wants to do more with them.
I have suggested games which has a mixed response - maybe because we haven't hit on the one game that engages us all. But other than that haven't come up with a 'solution'. Maybe there isn't one....
So does anyone have any ideas or perhaps projects he could engage the DC with (probably not too taxing as we work in the creative industry and often are mentally exhausted in the evening!). It probably needs to be house bound as well as we already go climbing/biking etc with them most weekends.
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Teenagers
Ideas to engage with teenagers in the evenings?!
zazas · 04/06/2015 23:53
If you are all biking/climbing/going out during the day, and eating dinner together, I really think that's as much as you can expect. It is normal teenage behaviour and at that age they will need some time to themselves to chill and catch up with their friends on their various devices 
Its all part of developing their independence. It sounds like you are all doing really well, DH just needs to realise they need a bit of space for a few hours.
Whilst I agree that this is normal behaviour, but, the one activity that my parents used ( and still use on us adult children and now teenage grandchildren ) was teaching us card games that involve money ! ( ie gambling ) We started off with ' Newmarket ) which is essential just luck , no skill, but then moved on to Black Jack which does have some element of skill. I never really got the hang of poker, but they did try and teach me !
My teens love the chance to try and win money off the wrinklier members of the family. We also include grown up snacks and drinks that aren't normally allowed ( coke etc ) to add to the thrill ! 
Box sets I have watched with DS1 (19) and DS2 (17)
Greys Anatomy - yes really with teenage boys, it's like Friends with operations
Suits
Revolution
Bones
Walking Dead
The Good Wife
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