Spending time with your teen is a good way to open the lines of communication. Spend time in activities that they enjoy and ones that you enjoy.

Family activities are great for getting a teen involved, but remember that they may need one-on-one time. Time where they can spend with a parent doing something. Non-pressure time. Time spent where they can be just who they are and not be pressured to talk or even think of things that are important or on their mind. Just spending time with your teen, building a bond with them. Find an activity you both can do together. It could be something as simple as a round of putt putt golf or maybe more of a sport to be learned, such as rock climbing. It could be taking them to a movie they have wanted to see. Show the teen you value your time with them and that you are willing to learn new skills and enjoy things with them.

What do you and your teen(s) do together?