No reason he needs to the a freeloader. Or entertained! 30 minutes a day of helping out just makes him part of the family.

12:53 again. They won't know how your family is run. This offers a good opportunity. What would you like to expect your kids to do, for themselves, in the future. Or for the family. A few tasks, led by this older kid who could be a role model, would be a nice turn of events.

Anonymous wrote:Have them do some chores with your younger children. Doing the dishes, that type of thing. It will be good for all of them with the older one leading.

No way. He's a guest. Would you ask an adult guest to do chores with your kids?

Anonymous wrote:Original poster here: is it reasonable to put limits on their phone use? Any tips on restrictions you use that work with your teenager? We allow our kids minimal screen time at their (much younger) ages. Thank you again!

Not your kid then absolutely not. The only time I would ask them to put the phone down is meals with others.

A 15 year old is not a toddler. Do not do this OP. The only time I would ask them to put the phone down is meals, and i would tell them why so every one can hold a conversation or something like that.

Take them places, ask them what they like to do. Play board games, card games easy for all ages.

OP again a 15 year old is not a baby, toddler or elementary student. You need to be respectful of that as well.

Have them do some chores with your younger children. Doing the dishes, that type of thing. It will be good for all of them with the older one leading.

You will only know when you see him, OP. Some teens are independent. My son at 15 was not very independent and needed suggestions and guidance. He didn't eat a lot either, and still doesn't at 19 On the other hand, he's a gentle, non-grumpy soul, has younger siblings and doesn't mind dealing with little kids. Some teens are allergic to little kids.

So it will be a wing-it situation... which is what you usually have to do with teens anyway!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Original poster here: is it reasonable to put limits on their phone use? Any tips on restrictions you use that work with your teenager? We allow our kids minimal screen time at their (much younger) ages. Thank you again!

That seems obnoxious and unnecessary. Overall seems like you need to relax.

No. You make general rules like no phones during meals. But otherwise my strategy would be to keep them as busy as possible. Do you belong to a pool? Can you plan some fun outings?

Anonymous wrote:Original poster here: is it reasonable to put limits on their phone use? Any tips on restrictions you use that work with your teenager? We allow our kids minimal screen time at their (much younger) ages. Thank you again!

That seems obnoxious and unnecessary. Overall seems like you need to relax.

Anonymous wrote:Original poster here: is it reasonable to put limits on their phone use? Any tips on restrictions you use that work with your teenager? We allow our kids minimal screen time at their (much younger) ages. Thank you again!

Not really except for no phones at meals. You aren't the parent and he will only be there for a few days.

Ask what he wants to eat. Teenage boys eat A LOT. Suggest a few outings but don't force it. They also sleep a lot so don't wake them up (although I'm sure the noise of the kids will). Mine was pretty grumpy at that age but if he had stayed with some relatives, he probably would've tried harder to be nice/helpful).

Original poster here: is it reasonable to put limits on their phone use? Any tips on restrictions you use that work with your teenager? We allow our kids minimal screen time at their (much younger) ages. Thank you again!

Give them their own room if possible. It's hard for kids to be in a new environment and not have a space to go to relax and be themselves. I would have a plan everyday they are there, otherwise it's usually just them on their phones all day long. The whole day doesn't have to be planned, but at least one thing a day on your calendar. Ask them what they like to do: pool, wave park, pickleball, beach? And try to have lots of food they like ahead of time for quick snacks.

I would suggest planning a couple of outings that will appeal to all ages. A museum, a pool if you belong to one, a movie.

Teens eat A LOT.

Teens can present as a little shy/awkward. Try not to take it personally. (Or maybe this kid will be outgoing ... who knows?)

Have fun!

Food

I would try to treat them generally like an adult.

Hi, We have a 15 year old distant cousin unexpectedly staying with us for the next several days. Any tips on what we should expect from a 15 year old? We have elementary school age children. Thank you!