Downtime from school can create a Winter Wonder-ing What-To-Do Land for tweens and teens. So much time and so little to do when they aren’t interested in much beyond their phones and their friends.
Quality time with the family just might not be their favorite thing to do at this age.
If the new holiday gifts have lost their luster and the cabin fever is setting in, how do you keep them engaged during the time off?
There are plenty of things to keep them busy like mall trips, outdoor activities, exercise programs, video games, movie marathons, days at friends and more. Some require funds and transportation and some don’t.
Take a look at five outside the box ideas to get them out of your hair or outside of the house altogether.
Volunteer
Some down time is the perfect opportunity to give back in the local community. Certain agencies requires volunteers to be over the age of 16 but there are opportunities for those under 16 both with and without a parent present. Spending time with people who don’t get visitors during the holidays doesn’t take any advance knowledge or skills. All it takes is time. Check into these resources in your area:
- Animal shelter
- Retirement homes
- Hospital
- Library
- Church program
- Seasonal community service project like a park clean up, soup kitchen or food pantry
Job Shadow
The working world doesn’t stop just because the kids are off of school. The extended break is an opportunity to find someone in a field they might be interested in and spend the day or a few hours learning about life in the “real world.”
This doesn’t have to be a take a kid to work day, but could be if you work in a field they want to learn more about.
Think about family members, neighbors or friends they might want to learn more about. Learning what you don’t like is almost more important that learning what you do like so give them the opportunity.
Like animals, reach out to a veterinarian office. Like sports, reach out to a local pro or college team. Interested in medicine, check in with your family doctor for ideas.
College Prep
Get a jump-start on the post high school education plans. Take the time to get familiar with process and the language.
Early admission, testing dates, course requirements, admission standards, financial aid and more. Nearly everything related to the admissions process is online and high school kids can spend time researching locations and dreaming up their ideal college experience.
While college campuses may not all have classes in session over the winter break, there may be opportunities to schedule an in person or virtual campus visit. Take advantage of the opportunity for a formal campus tour or something more informal like attending a sporting event on campus.
Room ReOrg
Hard to find space for new stuff with old stuff in the way. Take the opportunity to update or organize the bedroom.
Go through the closets and drawers to remove anything unwanted or unnecessary. Clean up the shelves and find homes for important things to display.
Could be a great way to make some cash by selling old clothes, books or electronics or fill a box of items to donate.
Rearrange existing furniture for a fun update or swap out some pieces to create a creative space that feels new and exciting. Pinterest has some great teen room ideas that won’t break the bank.
Looking for a longer term-project? Go for the full remodel and let her redesign the space from top to bottom. Paint, decor, furniture and more to update her personal space to her personal style.
Make a Meal
Never too young to learn how to feed the family. Allow them an opportunity to plan a meal for the whole family during the week. There is a YouTube Channel to teach that, right?
Plan the meal from start to finish and safely execute the plan to get it on the table for all to enjoy. For example, research a main dish with sides, create a shopping list, make the trip to the store, follow a recipe or research the best techniques online. The possibilities are endless and can offer a great way to get creative in the kitchen.
It doesn’t have to be fancy to be appreciated. But it could be fancy and maybe you will have the next food network star in your own kitchen. You will never know if you don’t let them try.
It is very easy to forget that kids get busy too. By the time they are in high school they are balancing school work, sports, clubs and more.
Winter break is some well-deserved down time from their schedule and school day responsibilities. When the family time gets old or you find yourself wondering how you survived at their age without an iPhone, time to encourage them to get busy.
No winter break boredom blues or wondering what to do land this year.
What are your expectations for the winter break with your tweens and teens? Share your tips for keeping them engaged during their down time.
