A 2016 study found that quality time with parents served as a better predictor of teenagers’ academic aspirations than time spent doing homework or attending extracurricular activities. Parents who discussed books, attended cultural events, and brought teens on community outings raised their teen’s aspirations. Giving your teen regular doses of positive attention will also help you maintain a healthy relationship, which can reduce behavior problems and set your child up for success later in life.

50 Activities to Do With Your Teenager

Spending quality time with your teen and giving them positive attention doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are 50 ways you can give your teen positive attention:

A Word From Verywell

Take turns picking the activities. It’s good for your teen to attend events that they might not have chosen themself, so don’t be afraid to pick things that might not interest them at first. They might discover some hidden talents or develop new interests. Give them a chance to pick some of the activities as well to help them stay invested in spending quality time together. You might find you’re better able to stick with your plan if you schedule a regular date together, like once a week or twice or month.