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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Teens and school holidays

29 replies

Chinwag · 11/07/2012 09:30

Any top tips or activities for surviving the school holidays (at home!) with younger teens. (Girls) Pllleeeeease!!

OP posts:
GetOrfMoiiLand · 25/07/2012 17:09

Dd was at home during the summer holidays as I worked FT - she used to go to my mothers for some of the 6 weeks but when she got to 14 wanted to stay at home. She was fine. She went on a football course one week, but the rest of the time organused days out with her friends, swimming, cinema trips to London and Bath etc on the train. Never a problem. But also she had slum it days when she slept in late and watched tv all afternoon eating me out of house and home.

She has got a job now (she is 16) and is out of the house working as much as I am! It's very strange.

alemci · 25/07/2012 17:14

2 of mine are away. My ds is 14 and it out with a friend. It is so tidy with the girls away. I get quite resentful when they make a mess. can't help it.

threeteens · 27/07/2012 09:53

Age 13-15? I'd have a few improving activities to break the holiday up interspersed with plenty of down time.

I would generally have one or maybe two separate weeks blocked out within the summer with a sports camp - not two consecutive weeks though - these camps are pretty full-on. It's good for them to get some fresh air and exercise and have a sporty week with other kids - mine would always be booked in with a friend though.

If you're having sone time off work, I would also use this time to invite a friend with her kids of a similar-ish age for lunch and an afternoon in the garden - it's good for them to help host a bit - maybe make the lunch together - make a quiche or something. It's a nice chance to catch up with family friends whose kids are at different schools.

Perhaps encourage them to plan a day trip away with a couple of friends involving a train or bus ride to a nearby theme park or zoo or similar. Encourage them to research it all online - phone to confirm details etc. great for their confidence to feel independent.

Realistically though, life can be so busy/ structured/ pressurised during term time that I think it's really, really vital that they have lots of down time so plenty of "nothing planned" days just to have big sleeps, mooch about, watch a bit of drivel on telly, read, play on the computer and generally veg. I found that when they've had enough rest they then have the time to do things like re-arrange their bedroom furniture which leads to a big clear-out but motivated by them having the time, energy and inclination rather than having to be nagged.

My older teens have part-time jobs and they've been able to up their hours in the holidays. They love working and earning money and have been able to pay for a holiday away with friends with the proceeds. Other than this, they are partying hard or sleeping!

bubblybrenza · 15/12/2012 12:00

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