30 Fun Activities for You
and Your Secondary School Students
- Teens value their friends. Encourage your teen to invite a couple of his friends over for dinner and a movie at the beginning of the Labour Day weekend.
- Ask your teen to think about a healthy meal she can make for the family.
- Post a favourite quote on your teen's mirror. Encourage him to start a collection of quotes he finds inspirational.
- If you haven't already done so, establish a regular weekly routine of doing something special, such as going out for a walk. This will give you an opportunity to talk with your teen.
- Encourage your teen to read a controversial newspaper article at breakfast this morning. What are her opinions of the article? Why does she feel this way?
- Don't divide to conquer. While it may be more efficient for your spouse to go to the grocery store while you wash the car, and your teen does his homework, that means that no one is working together. If your teen goes to the store with either of you, he will not only be helping and making a contribution to the family, but will be able to spend quality time with you.
- Ask your teen to save the grocery bills for two months. Have her calculate the total spent on different items, for example, produce, canned goods, and paper and hygiene.
- Prepare your teen's favourite meal tonight, and ask him to help prepare the food. Use dinnertime as an opportunity to discuss a specific topic with him--current events, his interests, popular music, fashion or school.
- Help your teen identify smaller chunks of time that she can turn into study opportunities.
- Visit the library with your teen and borrow books by the same author. Don't forget to ask your teen for his opinion.
- Peer pressure. Talk to your teen about how to avoid undesirable situations or people who break the rules. Let her know that it is okay to seek an adult's advice. And, most importantly, nurture strong self-esteem.
- If your teen uses the Internet, let him show you some of his favourite websites. Be sure to browse through the list of student-focussed websites by clicking here.
- Take your family out for dinner tonight. Let your teen select the restaurant.
- Encourage your teen to make a study quiz before her next test. It's a good way to review.
- Talk with your teen about the importance of healthy food choices. Encourage him to eat healthy snacks between classes to keep his energy level up and help him concentrate.
- Ask your teen which course she enjoys most and why. Suggest she do some research into careers using the skills she's acquiring in that course.
- Encourage your student to volunteer his or her time to help a not-for-profit organization. Discuss what he would be interested in doing, and investigate the various not-for-profit organizations in the community that correspond with those interests.
- Suggest your teen get her closet ready for the winter. Encourage her to put clothes she doesn't want into boxes and drop them off at a local charity.
- Did you know that there are ratings on video or PC games? Make informed choices on video games for your teenager by looking at ratings information before you purchase or rent.
- Read your teen's school newsletter together and talk about ways he can get involved at his school.
- Encourage your teen to make study notes every night. It prevents last minute cramming before tests and exams.
- Get some exercise with your teen. Go for a bike ride or play a sport at a neighbourhood park.
- Take your teen to the local bookstore and buy her a new journal of her choice. Suggest she use the journal as an "idea" book. She can jot down her thoughts and ideas.
- Visit the local library with your teen today. Encourage her to borrow a how-to book and learn a new skill.
- Ask your teen to help you with dinner this evening. What special meal would he like to make?
- Chess anyone? If you don't have a chessboard at home, try playing on your computer. You can find computer chess games with different levels of difficulty.
- Visit your local video store and have your teen pick out a video or DVD that the whole family could watch together this evening.
- Check your teen's knapsack to ensure that it is not too heavy for her. Encourage her to use both shoulder straps for support.
- Encourage reading by talking about books, magazines and newspaper articles that interest both of you. You could further encourage reading by trading books you enjoy, reading them and discussing the stories.
- Ask your teen what his plans are for the future. Then research and plan ways for him to reach his goals.
This page was last updated July 7, 2006.
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