Teenagers, flats and outdoor space

[OhMyAttic]

Do you have teenagers and live in a flat? My 2 Dc are still primary age so I'm after advice for the next few years.

We live in a top floor flat, 3 bedrooms and one main open plan living area. We also have a large balcony, currently has a sofa and a dining table on it. We need to replace the sun shade and are looking at different systems.

DH thinks it doesn't need to be waterproof, we will just use it as a sunshade. Made a comment about the neighbours (who have a permanent pergola type shelter) sitting smoking under theirs in the rain.

I hope my Dc won't smoke obviously, but it did make me wonder if we should seriously consider a waterproof shelter?

Is it something the Dc would use if they had friends over and didn't want to sit in the same room as the parents? Or do your DC and their friends sit in the same room as you if they've friends over?

I dont have a flat but my teenager definitely does not want to sit in the same room as us even without friends over, if you can afford it waterproof is always going to be better it will make the space far more useable.

We are living (abroad) in a flat and have a teenager. We only have a small balcony but if it were bigger it would be great to have the extra space. At the moment ds spends most of his time at friends' houses/flats where they have a big balcony / games room / garden for them to congregate in without adults around!

We're abroad where flats are much more common - last summer we converted the roof into 'teenage hangout' and it's been a big success. The kids hangout there all the time with their mates, even just by themselves which is a good way of getting them out of their rooms. Definitely go for a waterproof option if you can and make it as welcoming as possible.