Watch "Walking dead" together.

As my son (now 12) got older our before-bed reading time turned into before-bed video time. We watch clips of Jimmy Fallon, Lip Sync Battle, funny things he's seen on YouTube, science videos from SciShow and ASAP Science. It's nice to laugh together and see what he's enjoying.

Anonymous wrote:The best time for us is in the car together. It seems like there is no pressure and the conversation just flows easily.

This and I became a rabid football fan and team mom. I let the team hang out at our house. I keep them fed and stocked with water and Gatorade. Now they're seniors in HS and we have a couple of them sleeping over almost every weekend.

I'm the poster that suggested taking your son out to dinner and watching YouTube videos. If dinner does not work, at least go out for lunch and no electronics allowed. Whether it's watching a YouTube video or listening to a story about the kids at school, make sure you laugh like its the funniest thing ever (trust me, I hear some school stories and stuff boys are saying in the locker room and at lunch that make my hair curl) - the more you laugh, the more they tell you. I don't play XBox either but check out a game you can play together (for 3-4 family members) i.e. Family Feud, wheel of fortune (both for the Wii).

My kids are slightly you ger but right on the cusp of this. I am going to remember this thread the next time one of then wants to play a board game eith me and I find too many reasons why I don't have that block of time. We all need to pause and appreciate the small moments!

Also, op, is there any regular activity you drive your so.n to - if so, maybe you could make it a routine to stop for a milkshake on the way home or something like that.

we watch the flash and the arrow together each week. we also like renting or going to movies together (and especially cherish this since pretty son he won't want us along).

You should feel fortunate that you have a social kid. My kid wants to be social and struggles with making friends.

The best time for us is in the car together. It seems like there is no pressure and the conversation just flows easily.

Thanks for these ideas! I think going out to dinner (taking one kid out at a time) is a good idea (I have 2 boys). Also watching you tube videos... maybe I'll do that. I honestly have no interest in playing nba 2k, fifa or madden on the xbox and it would only annoy him to have to teach me etc. Wish I loved watching sports! I try... but doesn't really interest me...Thanks!

Board games, shooting baskets in the driveway

Maybe you and him go to dinner together every other weekend, let him pick the restaurant.

Movie night, let him pick a redbox or stream a netflix and pop some popcorn.

We do movie nights and I take my son to restaurants a lot -- that's when we talk the most. I also watch you tube video with him and laugh along, which makes him want to share more.

Just as you are thinking - find common interests. I also have a reading time with my kids before bed every night, lots of tv/movie nights and we try to take lots of trips together.

I learned to okay basketball in the driveway with my son.

It's normal and healthy, I know. But as his mom, I am really feeling him receding. He's a sports kid and I'm not that into sports... any ideas re: bonding activities? We started to watch a sitcom together and that's been fun. I've been careful not to give any guilt trips. I know it's normal-- he's social and happy... it's just sad that my little boy is moving away from me.us (my husband too although he can bond on sports etc.).... just wanna keep connected....How have others dealt with this?