watch movies, play piano, shop, play cards, chat

Board games.

Anonymous wrote:If my 14 year old were home today he'd be spending the day doing homework, specifically working on his science fair project.

As far as the computer, I just tell my son when screentime is done and he can figure out what to do himself. Sometimes I think of things to entertain him but mostly I expect him to figure it out on his own.

Ha! And this poster isn't even the science fair poster (that's me, and that's what my kid is home doing right now)

I like the baking idea. But also--maybe use the time for some life skills--have them cook dinner A-Z. Show them cookbooks, recipe sites, see what you have in the house, and let them pick the meal, do the prep, cook the food, etc.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

ESPN 30 for 30 documentaries are also excellent viewing.

Bake something from scratch. Bread or a pie?

I'm not OP, but thanks! My son will love hte 30 for 30 documentaries. Also, I think your idea of baking is a great one for the OP.

Every one of the 30 for 30 movies is good, and even my non-sports-lover kid has enjoyed them. Two that really stood out for us: "Catching Hell," about scapegoating, and "Unguarded," about a young basketball phenom who became a heroin addict. One of the best anti-drug messages I've ever seen.

Mostly I schlep them around to different places so they can hang out with their friends, or schlep them to their jobs.

Sometimes I can entice one to take a yoga class with me or help me cook something or watch something on tv.

Is it in the budget to go to Barnes and Noble to browse, maybe get some Starbucks there and read while sitting in the cafe area? You don't have to sit with them.

Cards! Hearts/Spades - excellent fun.

Maybe not today, but do you kids this age are old enough to volunteer. Food pantry, soup kitchen, animal shelter...

Anonymous wrote:

ESPN 30 for 30 documentaries are also excellent viewing.

Bake something from scratch. Bread or a pie?

I'm not OP, but thanks! My son will love hte 30 for 30 documentaries. Also, I think your idea of baking is a great one for the OP.

If my 14 year old were home today he'd be spending the day doing homework, specifically working on his science fair project.

As far as the computer, I just tell my son when screentime is done and he can figure out what to do himself. Sometimes I think of things to entertain him but mostly I expect him to figure it out on his own.

Make some popcorn and watch a movie or documentary at home together. Lots of great documentaries to choose from here:

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/reviews?genre=43648&media_type=29228&movie_subfilter=49086&recommended_age=11,12,13&sort=stars_rating

ESPN 30 for 30 documentaries are also excellent viewing.

Bundle up and go for a walk. Promise them some hot chocolate (at Starbucks or back home afterwards). Shovel off the cars, shovel an elderly neighbor's walk.

Board games. Cards. Teach them to play poker.

Bake something from scratch. Bread or a pie?

Do a puzzle while listening to This American Life or some other NPR podcast.

I agree about Torpedo Factory -- my 13 year old loves it.

Torpedo Factory in Alexandria - it's art but not museum art with some weird and contemporary stuff. it's free and you can bribe them with lunch as a new waterfront quick dining option (lower cost than full scale dining) just opened there.

They mostly want to stay home and play on the computer. It's pretty cold to do outside activities. I'm not in a position to spend money (can't go to movies). I'd have to force them to go to a museum. It's easier to stay home, but I want them off the computer and exposed to new things.