Bored teenagers!

melliec

I have 2 teenagers, 13 and 14, they have been really bored over the holidays. They seem to want to spend all day on the computer! I have suggested loads of things for them to do but they never seem motivated or interested . I have my hands full with a baby too and funds are tight. Does anyone have any suggestions???

LilMissEmmylou

i lived in youth centres at that age. Loved taking the courses and going on the weekends away and trips out. See if they know of any in their area that friends etc go to? They would have fun there if they wanted to (you do get some that just refuse to have fun though lol)

Alikay

I don't think a bit of boredom does anybody any harm! If they seem OK with the computer and they're not constantly asking to be taken out and entertained I wouldn't worry too much. I used to spend a lot of the holidays loafing around reading books (why, oh why are books seen as so much "worthier" than TV or computers!) and watching rubbish black and white films, and if I ever got seriously bored I'd soon come up with something to do or find a friend to visit. Generally life is pretty structured during term-time with school, sports, clubs etc and they probably like having a bit of time to just chill out.

At 13/14 they should be able to arrange meeting up with friends if they wish - DD used to invite a load of mates over for a picnic or DVD and they'd all bring some food or pop to share, but DS1 was happier to spend much of the break alone - sleeping, running his part-time online business or playing games on the computer. DS2 is somewhere in the middle and likes to meet up with one friend at a time to go out on their bikes or into town.

Paparika

Alikay wrote: »

I don't think a bit of boredom does anybody any harm! If they seem OK with the computer and they're not constantly asking to be taken out and entertained I wouldn't worry too much. I used to spend a lot of the holidays loafing around reading books (why, oh why are books seen as so much "worthier" than TV or computers!) and watching rubbish black and white films, and if I ever got seriously bored I'd soon come up with something to do or find a friend to visit. Generally life is pretty structured during term-time with school, sports, clubs etc and they probably like having a bit of time to just chill out.

At 13/14 they should be able to arrange meeting up with friends if they wish - DD used to invite a load of mates over for a picnic or DVD and they'd all bring some food or pop to share, but DS1 was happier to spend much of the break alone - sleeping, running his part-time online business or playing games on the computer. DS2 is somewhere in the middle and likes to meet up with one friend at a time to go out on their bikes or into town.

Mine lives on his pc at the mo (13) but he builds forums for people.

But also we have a puppy so when i am at work he is on puppy duty.

I wouldn't worry, it's the age of computers and they are not complaining/ getting under your feet etc.

melliec

Thanks for the replys...glad to know it's not just mine!

ljcpdc

Could they wash neighbours cars for money - or walk dogs? Something along those lines maybe....

Paparika

ljcpdc wrote: »

Could they wash neighbours cars for money - or walk dogs? Something along those lines maybe....

Mine (dog) is always looking for a nice walk, so if your in Bristol i cant pay much but i can keep the kids out of your hair for a good hour walking the dog

elainew

Would you let them have a party or a BBQ. Get them shopping and cooking all the munchies, make some decorations etc.
I would have loved that when I was younger.

Savvy_Sue

Send them round here, they can clean the house for me, my lazy teenagers are lolling around doing nothing all day while I'm out at work, but they've got more sense than to say they are bored ... :rotfl: