After spending the dark and cold winter months hibernating — and eventually going stir crazy — it’s no secret that metro Detroit goes wild for the warm summer months. With so much going on around the city and suburbs during the summer, it’s easy to find yourself out and about enjoying the weather on any sunny day.
Parents with older kids may notice that their teens are going out more often than they’re staying home this summer. While this transition is perfectly normal, it’s also natural for parents to worry about their independent kiddos. Which friends are they meeting up with? How late will they stay out? Are they driving safely?
What’s a concerned parent to do? You may know from your own teenage years that telling adolescents what to do or not to do usually doesn’t go over too well, and can even result in an adverse outcome.
Instead of cracking down on your kids this summer, encourage them to make positive decisions and guide them towards teen-friendly events, activities and other programs.
We rounded up some age-appropriate ways for teens to stay social and have fun all summer — without falling into any trouble. From family outings they won’t grow bored of to events that are designed just for teens, here’s to creating safe summer memories!
Attend a teen event
Many teens want to get out and hang out with their friends, no parent supervision required — and there’s nothing wrong with that! Instead of leaving them to their own devices, take your child and their friends to one of these events that are appropriate and engaging for young adults..
From film screenings and creative crafting events to local arts fests and movies in the park, there are plenty of activities that teens and their friends can enjoy in their communities.
Plan a (teen friendly) family outing
You may not be able to do anything about your teen acting humiliated to be seen out with you in public, but they might be willing to go out with the fam to one of these trending attractions. Even older kids will have to admit these outings are pretty cool!
Whether your teen is an athlete, a gamer, a creative or a lover of all things #Selfie, there are plenty of cool attractions in metro Detroit that families can enjoy with their older kids.
Host a themed family bonding night
Bonding with teens can be difficult (that’s putting it lightly!) but these at-home activities make family bonding a breeze!
Many teens love adhering to a fun theme, which is why hosting a themed dinner party, a family movie night or a board game night all made our list of at-home family activities for tweens and teens. Check out our roundup to get all the details on how to host a family night that even your older kids will enjoy.
Start a teen book club
We have some great tips on organizing a book club for kids. some great tips on organizing a book club for kids. Using these tips, help your teen organize a book club with their friends. Not only will the book club meetups be a fun way for them to socialize over summer break, but the time they spend reading the book will ensure they’re staying out of trouble.
Encourage them to work
Even if your teen isn’t old enough to apply for a “real” job, there are plenty of ways for kids to make money this summer. While saving for tech, toys and outings with friends, they’ll learn the importance of hard work, responsibility and money management.
From car washes to lawn care and more, your teen will appreciate having their own pocket money and still have time to be a kid this summer, all while having a productive side hustle that keeps them from getting into any trouble.
Join a mentorship program
If you want to take the extra step to ensure your teen stays out of harm’s way, consider signing them up for a reoccurring class or mentorship program. Having a positive, mature role model can help them realize there are benefits to staying out of trouble, and they’ll meet plenty of new friends and participate in fun activities along the way.
Visit the Mentor Michigan website to find a youth mentoring organization near you.
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