Five ideas to strengthen you and your teenager’s relationship during the holidays lockdown
Take this opportunity to spend more time together and through simple conversations and activities you will be able to promote integral development and strengthen your relationship with your teenager. Here are some ideas on how to achieve that:
1. Spend more time outdoors and doing physical activities
School holidays are an excellent opportunity to promote outdoor activities and get to know Amsterdam better. Following current health safety measures, here are some inspirational walking routes ideas.
2. Learn together to eat healthily
You can plan meals together, encourage your teenager to drink more water and include more fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. You can try to cook as a family or let your teenager have the space to explore on his/her own. Here are some simple and tasty ideas if inspiration is needed.
3. Discover the power of technology and use it responsibly
Clarify the rules of access to electronic devices during the holidays, such as how many hours per day and which apps, games or websites are allowed. Always take into account the child’s age, as well as terms and conditions for the use of social media.
You can also explore together how technology helps us develop skills such as creativity, critical thinking, curiosity, or problem solving. Tutorials, free learning programs, or virtual talks can be a great tool. TED has some interesting talks, such as parenting in the digital age by Sonia Livingstone.
4. Talk about social and emotional development
Teenagers are not only developing both physically and sexually, but are also experiencing great changes within their social context. One of the factors that promotes their integral development and protects them from considerable risks is talking to them about sexuality; always taking into account the appropriate information for their age. When talking to them, let them know that they can trust you; not only to resolve their doubts, but to tell you about situations that make them feel uncomfortable or scared. Although these conversations can be challenging or uncomfortable, let them know that you are not going to judge them and that you will always support them. Some useful ideas on how to handle these conversations can be found at this link.
5. Celebrate as a family without alcohol
Organise non-alcoholic family gatherings and celebrations. Show that it is possible to have a great time without the need for drink to be present. Here are some fun ideas.
Note: Post taken from the amazing blog from RedPapaz and adapted for the International Families based in Amsterdam.