I remember when my daughter was a baby and a veteran mom told me, “Enjoy this time now. You’ll miss it when they’re tweens and teens and want nothing to do with you,” That comment really stuck with me, and I hoped that my daughter and I would still spend time together, even as she grew up.
While tweens and teens clearly need space for pursuing their own passions, and cultivating relationships outside of the family, I am finding ways to connect with my now tween daughter, and want to share some ideas with you. In case your child is in the throes of the tween/teen years, and you’d like to find new ways to connect with them.
Science Museum of Virginia – The Forge
Choose from a workshop, challenge, or open making time at The Forge, SMV’s Makerspace for patrons of all ages. This is the perfect activity for anyone who loves to tinker, create, and/or use tools. There are 3 options for using The Forge. The first, Maker Workshops, are 45-minute classes led by Forge Facilitators. All participants will finish with an item to take home. Advance registration is required for Maker Workshops.
The second option, Maker Challenges, are engineering and design projects that ask participants to find a solution to a problem. There is no advance registration required for Challenge Workshops. Finally, for SMV members, Open Making Time allows access to The Forge, and its tools, for open-ended creation and design. Pro-tip: My 10-year-old really enjoyed making vinyl stickers using the 3D printer!
Theater Experiences
My daughter and I love to go to the theater together! From Broadway in Richmond shows at Altria Theater to performances at the intimate Swift Creek Mill Playhouse, watching a play together makes a fun memory. Since I also have a 6-year-old, my daughter loves this 1:1 time with me. It is also a huge milestone in parenting to not have to “shh!” your child during a show or remind them to stay seated. A win-win outing for all! Pro-tip: Enter our giveaway for tickets to The Grinch at Altria Theater December 12-17.
Tree Time Adventures
Calling all adventurous parent/child duos! Tree Time Adventures in Prince George county is an exciting way to bond with your kiddo. From ziplines to The Dragon’s Back Bridge, my family enjoyed every thrilling moment through the tree canopy! During our trip, I was nervous to try several of the obstacles, but my daughter was so encouraging: “come on, Mom! You got this!” It really brought us closer, and we both left with a huge sense of accomplishment.
Find more fun activities in Prince George County here.
Thrifting
My daughter is a total fashionista, but the first time she brought her own money to the mall, she left disappointed. It was difficult for her to find items in her budget. We decided to swing by a few thrift stores afterward, and see if we could find more things she could afford. She felt like we struck gold as we found several name brand items in her budget. Now thrifting is one of our favorite activities to do together. It’s given my daughter a sense of ownership – making decisions about whether an item is “worth it,” as well as spending and managing her own money. Pro-tips: Here are a few stores where we consistently find quality items at incredible prices: Goodwill on Alverser Drive, Thrifty Quaker, and Crater Community Hospice Thrift. Also, check our RFM calendar as we share consignment sales throughout the year.
Unplugged Games Cafe
My family loves board games, and Unplugged Games Cafe makes it easy for us to enjoy one another’s company while learning a new game (or two, or three…). We love to eat lunch or dinner while playing a game – usually one suggested by the staff. I find that although we have plenty of games at home, playing something new, in a different place is a whole new experience, and our conversations are more lively because of the upbeat atmosphere. Pro-tip: While this is a great spot for families, it is also ideal for meeting friends. Ask your child to invite a friend or two next time for a safe and fun hangout.
While it’s bittersweet for our children to grow up, there is still so much joy in connecting with them. It may not be rocking them to sleep, or reading a nighttime story, but we can discover new ways to share experiences with our kids that strengthen our bond.
