If you have a teen at home, you know how difficult it can be to get them involved in anything that isn’t on their iPhone screen. Though there are benefits to the digital age, social disengagement is rampant amongst teenagers today. They get everything through their smartphones: information, entertainment, social interaction, and more and more frequently, even their education.
Teens need to interact with the real world at least as much as they interact with their screens. You shouldn’t try to force interests on your teenager, but if you’re willing to put in some time and effort, it’s likely you can find something they are willing to try. If you are struggling to find non-digital activities for your teenager, here are a few things you can try.
Alternative Sports
You try everything to support your kids’ health from innovative meals that disguise vegetables to insisting on multivitamins for teens, but you know they need some form of physical activity too. According to the CDC, physical activity is important for teens because not only does it optimize their physical health, it can optimize their cognitive functions and mental health as well. Since teens are at high risk for developing mental health issues, it is important to engage in activities that can help balance their emotional life.
Traditional team sports are losing their popularity amongst young people, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a cooler alternative to organized sports for your teen. If your adolescent kids have no interest in running track or playing baseball, talk to them about what they are interested in. For artistic teens, this might be dance classes or gymnastics. Animal lovers might be interested in taking up horseback riding. Loners and independent thinkers might love skateboarding and those interested in a real physical challenge could be enticed by mountain climbing or parkour. You might need to think outside the box and do some research into what your community offers, but chances are you can find something that gets your kids moving.
Money-Making Activities
Most teens would like the freedom and independence of a little more cash in their wallets. Allowing them to get a part-time job could be just the thing to shake up their sedentary lifestyle. Typical starter jobs like working in fast-food or waiting tables at the local diner might not hold much appeal. Be willing to help your teen recognize their strengths and help them find part-time work that interests them. This is a great way to introduce them to valuable job-seeking skills for the future.
If your teen is more independently-minded, perhaps they might be interested in starting their own business. For that reliable teen, starting their own business in pet sitting, house sitting, dog walking, or child care can bring in a good wage. For kids that like being outside and don’t mind a bit of physical labor, running their own lawn care business can be lucrative. If your teen loves arts and crafts, encourage them to create pieces that can be offered for sale at local markets and craft fairs. The experience they will gain from having their own business is highly valuable.
Artistic Endeavors
Check out the local arts and recreation centers to see what kind of classes, workshops or programs they have going on. You might be surprised that your quiet teen secretly dreams of being a performer or that your young video game fiend would love to learn to play the guitar. The arts community can be a home away from home for teens who have struggled to find their place in other groups. Of course, you should always check out any place you intend to send your kids to, but artistic organizations and individuals tend to be free thinkers and they’re likely to appreciate the teen who walks to their own beat.
It’s important that today’s teens find interests in the real world and find activities to engage in that intersect with hands-on skills and other people. Talk to your teenager about their interests. Be willing to hear them and validate their preferences by supporting and helping them find activities that coincide with who they are.
