Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1520194
30 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • May 2024 family money WRITTEN BY NIKKI DUCAS Teenage boys need their momma now more than ever. Are you looking for ideas to make your connection stronger? Most mother-son activi- ties don't have to cost a fortune to forge an everlasting bond. What boys really want is for their moms to listen. My teen wants all the thoughts swirling around in his head to make sense and to be understood. Be relative and don't dismiss his thoughts. One-on-one time is the best time to learn about his dreams and ideas. ALLOW HIM TO PICK A FAVORITE RESTAURANT The way to my boy's heart is through his stomach. Sharing a meal is a great time for him to talk about what's of most interest to him and what is motivating him now. STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND LEARN TO PLAY A VIDEO GAME OF HIS CHOICE Allow him to feel empowered and have him explain how the game is played. The fact you are interested in something he is an expert in is exciting to him and will open him up to wanting to tell you more. TAKE TIME TO LEARN HIS HOBBIES Does he want to build a gaming computer or like to write his own songs? Ask if you can learn alongside him. Teens like nothing more than to show off their latest innovative design or creative prowess. Mother-Son Activities Don't Have to Cost Much Money COOK WITH HIM Let him choose his favorite meal or sweet treat to make. Be there to answer his questions but have him do the work. Give him the freedom to personalize it and serve it. He'll be proud of himself and that he made it on his own. Bonus: cre- ate a recipe book with all of the favorite meals he's made so that when he's off on his own he has a special remembrance of home. LAUGH TOGETHER Don't take life too seriously. Be sure to laugh at yourself when you mess up. If you both see or hear something silly be sure to make eye contact and smirk. These little nuances will show him you are human too. SAY YES Don't be afraid to show him you care. Teens need to hear I love you and be praised often. You can also catch him off guard and say yes to something you normally wouldn't. KEEP THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN As the long days are dwindling and the years at home are becoming shorter, remember it isn't the amount of money you spend on him but the time you spend together that is most important.