Same here. DD has friends but doesn’t see them every weekend. We watch TV, bake, run errands together. It started after a rough middle school that affected early high school. I make sure to never act like it is a burden or whatnot, even if it occasionally is, time-wise, since I have a busy full time job and another, younger, kid.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD and I did a ton of volunteering (in NOVA) when she was in High School- lots of good experiences and eye opening for her. We also had some fun- she kind of shut me down when she was in HS but we connected during some of our volunteering sessions.

My DD and I got really involved in our local animal shelter.

What kind of things do you do there?

Giant ongoing Lego or model project.

My DD used to love the miniature RoLife model house kits. Super-intricate, takes forever, but you can listen to an audiobook or podcast while you work, or put on music and chat.

Anonymous wrote:I’m planning to subscribe to Hello Fresh this summer, turn off the Wifi and cook with my teen this summer.

We use Hello Fresh for this exact reason and it’s been heaven to have my teen make a delicious meal for us to help out during a hectic week!

Pick a series to stream and watch together. Cooking or baking. Take pickle ball lessons and start playing. Train for a 5k/10k and sign up for a race in a different city one weekend.

Anonymous wrote:My DD and I did a ton of volunteering (in NOVA) when she was in High School- lots of good experiences and eye opening for her. We also had some fun- she kind of shut me down when she was in HS but we connected during some of our volunteering sessions.

My DD and I got really involved in our local animal shelter.

Tennis or running.

Similar situation. We go for a lot of walks together. Weekend nights we watch movies. Collaborative playlists are kind of fun, too. Not really an activity, per se, but my DD comes up with themes, we contribute songs, and then it gives us stuff to talk about on car rides—bands and songs we like, etc.

Generally, I try to initiate activities here and there—never force it—but also back off a bit afterward and give her plenty time and space to just to hang in her room.

I wish there was a way to have our DDs meet. my 15 yr. old is in the same boat. we play board and video games. sometimes watch YouTube videos. she does sports so I'll practice with her. she has a hard time connecting with other kids and refuses to admit it so can't help her.

Would she be open to babysitting or dog walking-something that lets her get out of the house and earn a little money?

-have her be responsible for preparing some family meals
-is she crafty? Maybe something you could do together like beading or another craft.
-family game night

Movie matinees are relatively cheap. Go hiking or sightseeing, cook or bake together at home, do an art project together, do your nails, etc etc. Even just walking around a mall and window shopping, then buying a slice of pizza or an ice cream cone.

My DD and I did a ton of volunteering (in NOVA) when she was in High School- lots of good experiences and eye opening for her. We also had some fun- she kind of shut me down when she was in HS but we connected during some of our volunteering sessions.

I’m planning to subscribe to Hello Fresh this summer, turn off the Wifi and cook with my teen this summer.

*can’t be done regularly

DD 15 doesn’t really have a social life life now. I won’t get into all the reasons here. She has a few after school activities but still has a lot of down time each week with not much to do. I’m trying to spend more time with her on a regular basis to help fill the void a bit. I’m looking for suggestions of things to do with a 15yo girl. Things like Weekend trips and shopping sprees are great but can be done regularly because of cost. I’m looking for low cost or free activities. Also looking for some things to do at home since we won’t always be going out. Thanks.