I used to love the daily routine of picking up my son from elementary school at 2:15 PM. Chatting with other parents while waiting for the bell was always a highlight. My son would burst out, grinning, knowing that meant some extra playtime in the schoolyard. Afterward, we often swung by the corner store for a Slurpee, blasting tunes and belting out songs on the way home. Those were truly memorable moments of laughter and love.
Fast forward ten years, and now I’m navigating life with teenagers. Suddenly, our time together has dwindled; they’re glued to their phones, buried in homework, or hanging out with friends. Finding those special moments to connect feels like a treasure hunt. But I’m determined to make the most of our time together, even if they sometimes act like they couldn’t care less. Here are five simple ways I express my love for my teens:
1. Tuck Them In at Night
It may seem trivial, but waiting up for them and tucking them into bed can be an effort. I sometimes bring an extra blanket and roll them up like burritos. We have a good laugh, and it’s a sweet way to bond before lights out.
2. Share Baby Stories
My oldest loves hearing about the time we tried to make her eat broccoli nuggets (good luck with that!). My youngest gets a kick out of the tale of how she could sing before she could even talk. These stories not only spark joy but also remind them of how far they’ve come.
3. Coffee Date
Between juggling sports, homework, and life, we often miss out on quality face-to-face time. Carving out 30 minutes to grab a coffee together is the perfect excuse to chat and catch up over a warm drink and snack.
4. Set a Phone Curfew
Establishing a family rule to put away the phones by 8 or 9 PM can create precious family time. At first, they might resist, but I’m confident they’ll come to appreciate those moments together, even if it takes a few years…or a decade.
5. Hold Their Hand
Car rides can sometimes feel like a Q&A session with one-word answers. I’ve found that simply reaching over to hold my daughter’s hand creates a connection that encourages her to open up and share more.
Even though I miss the carefree chaos of elementary school days, parenting teens has taught me to be more intentional in how I communicate. They crave our time and love, even if it’s just in small doses.
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In summary, while the days of elementary school may be behind us, the love and connection we forge with our teenagers are what truly matter. Embracing these small moments can make a significant difference in their lives.