How to Interact with a Teenager

It's no secret: most teens want to spend time with their friends. It is important for older mentors, including parents, relatives and other adult role models to interact with teens as they continue to seek guidance. Learn ways to interact with the teenager in your life.

Instructions

1. Show interest in your teens' extracurricular activities. Make it a point to attend their athletic events, chorus concerts and other events and shows. Ask questions about the activity and be supportive and encouraging.

2. Find activities that you can share with the teen. Because the teen will not likely take the initiative to make plans with a parent, you will need to take the first step. Arranging to go to a movie, for a walk or run, on a shopping trip or other shared activity are good places to start.

3. Make family time a requirement. Hopefully, it won't have to be demanded. Showing your child as they grow up the importance of time spent together as a family will set this as a priority to the child. Regular family dinners, or weekly traditions of having pizza or movie night are ideas. You want to maintain a sense of family time rather than having a teen who is constantly on the run.

4. Make your home friendly to your teen's guests. Welcoming their friends over for an evening of fun or overnight stay are appreciated by teenagers. If your house is a fun place to be, they'll want to hang around more and have friends over. You'll have less to worry about if the child is at your home.

5. Plan special weekend activities. With busy families on the go through the week, this is important. Maybe it's cooking breakfast together or walking the family pets. Maybe it's tossing around a football or frisbee or going to the grocery store.

6. Help with school projects. From reports to presentations and other big assignments, teens often have a heavy load of homework. Join in by helping your teen with a project. Your child will learn and appreciate your support and time.