The parent-child bond remains important throughout a child’s life. However, this bond can become more fragile during adolescence, so it’s important to focus on activities that can help nurture a good relationship. A strong relationship will make it easier for you to supervise your child and guide their overall academic progress and choices.
Walking is good for your health and very effective in reducing stress. It’s also a great way to talk to your child and strengthen your bond. Whether it’s a mountain hike or simple after-dinner walk, take the opportunity to do the following:
- Ask about your child’s day
- Ask their opinion on a current topic
- Reminisce about a series or book you both watched or read
- Discuss anything your child is worried about
- Etc.
Whether you’re redecorating an entire room or simply changing the living-room cushions, your teen will certainly have some ideas in mind. Asking for their opinion can do the following:
- Boost your child’s self-esteem
- Help them see your relationship differently
- Make them more interested in family activities
- Etc.
Teens tend to think adults are nerdy (and maybe they’re right). However, there’s no need to let preconceived notions widen the generation gap! It might be fun to make a list of your top three childhood idols and ask your teenager to do the same. Then, take turns explaining your choices. This activity is the perfect opportunity to do the following:
- Talk about your tastes
- Share your opinions on music, movies, eras, etc.
- Explore artistic trends
- Expand your child’s cultural horizons
- Etc.
There’s nothing better than a canoe trip or a camping weekend to bring you and your child closer together. Any activity that’s out of the ordinary and that keeps you in close proximity for a while will help you get to know your teen. Having escaped your daily routine, you can invite your child to do the following:
- Take pictures so they can make an album when you get home
- Talk about the environment
- Stargaze
- Etc.
Teens can be surprisingly resourceful! To help build your child’s self-confidence (essential to academic success) and strengthen your relationship, enlist their help in learning any of the following:
- A new sport
- A new language
- A new video game
- Etc.
For more tips on how to establish effective communication and maintain a strong relationship with your teen, we encourage you to read our article on the topic!
Writing : The Alloprof Parents' team
MADIOT, Pierre. Enseignants, parents, réussite des élèves : quel partenariat ? France, CRDP de l’académie d’Amiens Crap-Cahiers pédagogiques, Collection Repères pour agir, 2010.