It is not at all easy to stay connected to teens because they would rather be with their friends but while this hanging out with their peers is normal, strong family relationships are still important and much needed for them to become stable adults.
Connection should be Spiritual/emotional, Social/intellectual..
Eat together
Very good to have “Family dinner hour’ if it can be worked out.
Conversation can range from the latest events at school and the antics of friends and neighbours, to politics and world events.
Cook together.
Got a hungry kid rumbling around the kitchen? Suggest the two of you throw together a plate of mixed spaghetti and salad. Have a colourful cookbook and try new recipes from it from time to time.
Work together.
Sometimes it’s easier to have a conversation with a teenager if you’re not sitting and forced to make eye contact. Raking leaves, spring cleaning, doing dishes together etc. Though busy, your brain connects.
Share a family interest.
While teens prefer to do more things with their friends, they still enjoy family activities. Look for games you can enjoy together. Play one or two sports, go through fashion magazines, bake, cook and have good laughs together.
Go shopping.
Leave your own tastes at home and be clear about how much money you’re willing to spend. You can really learn a lot about their favourite brands, music genres or let them help you choose new towels etc.
Community outreach.
Volunteer with them at community or church programs. Whether it’s visiting an orphanage or doing a marathon for cancer research etc
Tell ‘their’ stories.
When you share your memories of birth, the funny, sweet and infuriating things they did when they were young, teens gain a sense of being connected to your unique family history of knowing they belong and that they matter to you
