Creative Ways to Bond with your Teen During a Pandemic

Although you may be living underneath the same roof as your teen, it may feel as though you’re miles away from them. You may be physically close, yet emotionally distant. This year has been emotionally tolling on most people and your teen is no exception. They are dealing with social and emotional troubles that may lead them to isolate, act up, or lash out. When you are both under such strain, it can be more challenging than ever to find common ground. Not to mention, when you are unable to get out and go to the movies together, or treat yourself to a spa day, the opportunities for bonding seem discouraging.

You don’t have to let the stress and monotony of a pandemic get in the way of cultivating positive experiences with your child. Consider these three creative ways to reconnect and bond with your teen during the next few months.

1. Get creative together in the kitchen!
   What better way to spend time together then by creating some of your most favorite dishes or trying something new? Take time to create a menu together; then make an afternoon and evening of it. Choose a fun appetizer and a yummy dessert, to start and end the meal. Serve the meal together with your family and enjoy. The simple act of cooking and dining together is a bonding experience, and savoring the meal will be the best part!
   

2. Get artsy!
   Break out the paint brushes, a blank canvas, and take turns replicating a painting. Or, let go of expectations and see where your creative mind takes you. Another option is to decide on a portrait together, have each of you paint your own canvases, and then compare. If you’d like to work with a different medium, order mugs or plates online and plan an evening to paint and bake them: it’s both time spent with your teen and new glassware to remind you of the memory! Whatever method of art you and your teen are most drawn to (drawing, painting, etc.), take advantage of it as an opportunity to bond together.
   

3. Get investigative together!
   Try a “Murder Mystery in a Box” with just you and your teen, or get the whole family involved in solving the mystery! If you’re looking to test your problem solving skills, look into an evening in an online Escape Room, working creatively with your family to plan your escape. Or, pick out a jigsaw puzzle and spend time each night putting pieces together. You can make a habit out of it to talk and make progress on the puzzle. Getting investigative will not only provide you with the opportunity to stimulate your minds, but it will also give you quality time bonding with your family.

If the last few months have become repetitive and boring and you are looking for a way to join with your teen and your family, consider these creative ideas. There are plenty of ways to reconnect with your teen and have fun together!