Older Kids

I don't have older children but I have relatives in high school and whenever I meet a new reader with older kids I ask for ideas.  Many of the parents say, "Keep them busy!" I'm sure a lot of parents struggle with trying to maintain a connection with their older children as the kids themselves develop their own interests and have their own activities.

Here are some ways to stay "in touch" with your older child:

• If they are involved in sports or any other type of group, actively participate by being a booster club member, team parent, group leader, or volunteer to coach.
• Spend some time volunteering with them. There are organizations with monthly "clean-up" events, volunteer to distribute food for families in need, or participate or volunteer in charity events together.
• Share a common goal or hobby. Create some kind of goal, for example: visit every beach in the LA area starting from north to south, to hike every trail in the Santa Monica mountains, or bike the bike trails from start to finish. Be sure to involve your child in the decision making.

The parents that say "Keep them busy!" have suggested the following activities for older kids:

• Get the child involved in a school group such as band, choir, clubs, sports, drama, dance, anything that involves extra practice and busy weekend or evening events.
• Joining Girl or Boy Scouts. Kids can be involved all the way through high school.
• Volunteer at a school, church, hospital, or with an organization like the YMCA. Many have programs for teen volunteers.
• Find a church with lots of teen activities. Some churches have great teen programs with activities planned throughout the week with retreats and services that appeal to young people.

These posts are suggestions of activities for families with older kids and teens:

• List of organizations that have monthly volunteer opportunities for families.
• The LA County Museum of Art has free admission for kids 17 and under when they sign up for a free NEXGEN membership! Each kid can have an adult accompany them in the museum for free!
• A great idea to get your kids actively involved in turning off the lights in the house.
• The Aquarium of the Pacific has free admission to the Shark Lagoon on Friday nights.
• Free Lego Club Magazine Subscription.
• Here is a list of museums that offer free admission.

If you have older kids and have ideas to share, please comment below.