When my husband was a teen and his parents kicked him out, he went to live with his boss. He and his boss have been like family every since. He and his old-boss, now friend-like-brother, haven't seen each other as much since we've moved 1300 miles away 6 years ago, but when our kids were little they used to play together. Well, my husband's friend is coming to visit with his 2 children for a few days after Christmas. He's divorced, so it will just be the 3 of them. He has a 15 year old girl and a 13 year old boy. We have 3 girls ages 14, 12, and 10. Well, last month we moved from Orlando, with lots of things to do, to a more rural area with nothing to really do in the Winter (that I can tell yet... we're still getting to know the area). We have a pool and are a few miles from the beach. But the pool is not heated and it's probably going to be too cold to swim in the beach too. If it were Summer, they would probably just live in the pool the whole time, lol. My kids really entertain themselves most of the time, but I'm starting to get a little nervous about these other kids that I haven't seen in almost 7 years. We get Christmas cards from them every year and the girl had pink hair and black fingernail polish. Of course, this doesn't mean she's a bad kid... but my girls are still pretty naive compared with most kids their age... so that makes me a little nervous too. How can I keep all of these teens entertained so they don't get bored and into trouble?
I imagine they will be bringing their cell phones and ipods or mp3 players and keeping themselves pretty amused. But they will still claim boredom. I don't know if you have a gaming system then there's games to play, otherwise board games are fun when we've got a house full of teenagers they often play games. Maybe take them skating, or movies. I'd stick to stuff that doesn't cost anything if you can.
Have a fun visit. I can't really add much to what the other person said. But, I might add a nice talk about how to handle any differences might be a good idea prior to the visit so there are no confrontations.
You could still take a walk on the beach even if its cold ( I grew up at the beach and did that all the time as a teen). Since you live in a rural area you could go on a dayhike and bring a basket of food, hot cocoa for lunch. Let them see nature! I second the gaming system, that will amuse for a while. How about a movie marathon...Harry Potter, Twilight, Christmas movies they haven't seen in years? Have them pick out snacks, just like a theater, and have fun. Board game marathon? We have poker and blackjack parties with our friends and they bring their teens with them and the teens have their own table ( with a few adults) and we use M&M's as the "chips" , we have CD's playing and just have a good time. They could make fudge , cookies, smores or anything really..... all together. Have them plan a dinner , do the shopping and all the cooking together. We have done that and my dd's friends thought it was awesome.
wow! lots of great ideas, I agree with them all go for a walk on the beach no matter how cold it is. the beach is always nice for alittle walk. Games, watching tv. baking, just having fun. make stuff for the tree. go caroling outside to the animals. LOL just have fun.
I love crystals ideas!! I have often found that with my teen and her friends there isn't really a need to entertain them. They kind of do their own thing and figure it out on their own. They do like movies and love to get in my kitchen all together and cook something for me. They would love a walk on the beach. I hope you have a great visit!
