IM Saying It
Learn how to text your child on their computer or cell phone. Let's face the fact that our kids are communicating in ways we never did growing up. We have to learn their language if we want to really keep connected. Teach yourself how to instant message (IM), text message, e-mail and send photos over the phone and the Web.
Let's Do Lunch
Make a lunch date with your child and take them out for pizza, Chinese or Sushi (whatever they love). Use the hour to catch up on what's happening. Let them do the talking—you do the eating. I know a mother and a child who go out to the same restaurant on the last day of school each year. They have created a tradition of celebrating the ending school year, and sharing dreams and goals for the summer and the year ahead.
Play Ball
Sports can be an important part of a teen's life. If your child plays a sport, go to as many games as you can. If your child doesn't play a sport, go watch a baseball game or find a game or activity that you both like and can share. Being "on the same team" builds connection and spirit. So have fun whether you're watching or playing ball!
Because I Said So
You, too, can create a "because box"—a beautiful little box filled with notes to complete the phrase, "I love you because..." Make one for birthdays, special days or just because. I promise this token of affection, created in your own unique style, will be a cherished treasure to anyone who receives it. Simply jot down thoughts that finish this sentence: "I love you because..."
...you have great ideas.
...you are funny.
...you introduce me to great music.
...you have a great smile.
...your hugs are the best.
Let the Artist in You Rule
Create a portrait gallery. Together, transfer family photos onto canvas, and then frame them like paintings. Or, have each family member paint his or her own self-portrait. You will laugh at how much fun—and how funny—these are to do.
Get Cooking
Pull out the fondue pot, and heat up different cheeses for a night of dipping fun. Cube the best-tasting breads you can find—I like plain sourdough, garlic-rosemary and olive bread. For dessert, melt chocolate and dip strawberries, bananas and graham crackers into the heavenly mixture.
Other Artful Ways to Stay Connected
- Visit a make-your-own-pottery place and create a plate for each person in your family, or several pieces to celebrate a special event.
- Bake together. Make ice cream. Create an Italian feast of fresh pasta, bread and tiramisu, with a famous aria playing in the background.
- Bring armloads of comforters, pillows and blankets in front of the largest TV in the house and have movie night, all cozy together.
- Pick your own strawberries and make jam. Enjoy life. It's delicious.
- Build a campfire in the backyard (in a grill or fire pit), and roast hot dogs on sticks and make s'mores with chocolate bars, marshmallows and graham crackers. Sit around, tell stories and enjoy the night air and the flames as they warm your fingers and toes.
- Go miniature golfing together. Set up teams and prepare to laugh as children and adults alike compete for the lowest score. Give prizes to the winners, both old and young.
- Get tickets for your local professional, minor league or college baseball game. Spend an afternoon in the sun eating chocolate malts, peanuts and singing during the seventh-inning stretch. (If you get there early, you may be able to catch fly balls from batting practice.) Consider tailgating, and create and serve a feast from the trunk of your car.
- Go ice skating or to a roller rink and dance to the music booming over the loudspeakers.
- Check out the local public gardens in your area, perhaps one that serves Chinese tea or has acres of roses.
- Journey down to your local theater and support your neighborhood thespians as they perform in A Midsummer Night's Dream or Annie Get Your Gun.
- Has the fair come to town? Carnivals and fairgrounds are a good way to change your routine and celebrate your country roots.
- Bust out all of the board games you can find. Enjoy some healthy competition as you play. Fill bowls with popcorn, chips, nuts and chocolates for the competitors.
- Sing at home in Karaoke style. Crank up the tunes and laugh as everyone takes a turn singing their favorite song.
Keep Reading
8 ways to make meaningful moments with anyone you love
14 artful activiities for family fun
Oprah.com readers' favorite family activities
