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Original poster

How to be a lovely parent to teenager?

186 replies

Mrsfloss · 13/11/2017 18:00

When dd was younger. I got loads of advice on making her childhood special and magical.

Any tips on doing the same with teen to get her off screens and which won’t result in death stare!

Different stage of parenting and I can’t help pine for the days of carpet picnics, reading storys and pjs on at 6pm!

OP posts:
Katedotness1963 · 13/11/2017 18:27

Now that they're at the going out age, we put a hot water bottle in their beds for coming home time and leave sandwiches ready so they can grab a quick bite when they get in.

"How's your day, I love you" text. Don't always get a reply, but it's read.

SavageBeauty73 · 13/11/2017 18:25

UberEATS delivers McDonalds to my 15 and 12 year olds! I watch programmes with them even though I have no interest in them. We are loving Life in Pieces on Amazon prime.

A wise friend of mine with much older teenagers said don't sweat the small stuff. I try to pick my battles.

Katedotness1963 · 13/11/2017 18:24

Singing loudly in the car together.

Board game nights, and invite their friends over. Pizza and nibbles!

Get together for hot chocolate with "the works" (in our house that's marshmallows, squirty cream and grated chocolate). A rainy, Sunday is perfect!

Lunch in the city. Just did that with our 16 and 18 year old on Friday. Wander round the town, leisurely meal, another wander. Stop for a beer.

Sleepovers. For a few years there we had sleepovers every other weekend.

Have an interest in their interests. I surprised my eldest by knowing something about Joy Division, he didn't even know I'd heard of them! You should have seen his face. Point for mum!

VioletCharlotte · 13/11/2017 18:19

Bacon sandwich in bed on a Sunday morning
Run them a hot bath when they get in from football, cold and wet
Bond over TV shows/ music/ comedians
Laugh at the stupid stuff they find funny
Let their mates stay over
Treat them to a shopping trip

HeatherWeather · 13/11/2017 18:12

Euph, I’ve recently discovered the delights of an egg McMuffin on a Sunday morning Grin First time I missed breakfast by 5 minutes though! Never organised.

HeatherWeather · 13/11/2017 18:11

Think my 11 year old sounds like this already! Hmm

LindyHemming · 13/11/2017 18:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SureIusedtobetaller · 13/11/2017 18:07

Be the parent who lets them all sleep over! We used to have a spare mattress just for this.
And drive them around- this is when you can chat with them without pressure and I love hearing the conversations. Plus you get to know their friends.

Enko · 13/11/2017 18:06

I linger in the kitchen on their kitchen day
Often take one out for breakfast just the 2of us or a coffee shop in the afternoon.

Drivong them somewhere helps too

LindyHemming · 13/11/2017 18:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ownedbySWD · 13/11/2017 18:04

Late night chats in the kitchen with junk food are a favourite. :) Listening to dd14 talk all about the funny memes she's been reading, talking about recent movies or TV shows we've watched.