FAMILY NIGHT: TAKE A BREAK FROM THE FRENZY (HIGH SCHOOL) As teenagers head back to school, their time is stretched thin by the demands of homework, after-school activities and friends. But even with such busy lives, teenagers can greatly benefit from spending time with their parents and siblings. Making time for a family night requires some flexibility and compromise, but the rewards are well worth it. When planning family night activities for teenagers, look for quality of time over quantity, and always get input from your child. This will ensure that everyone enjoys the time together. “What teenagers like more than anything else is to be treated as adults,” says Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D., vice president of education for Sylvan Learning Center. “Conversations about current events, daily life, family issues, college, politics and sports can bring parents and teenagers together.” Here are 10 suggestions for a fun and memorable family night: Play a board game. A traditional board game can be a great way to bring together family members of all ages. Patch Products (www.patchproducts.com) offers a fantastic selection of games for all ages. Try the Best of TriBond® to test your skills with riddles. Then visit www.millionminute.com to join the Million Minute Family Challenge. The goal is to get 1,000 families in each of the 50 states to play a board game together for 20 minutes or more this September through December. “I always tell parents ‘don’t get intimidated by all the toys, software and electronic games in the toy store,’” Bavaria says. “Sometimes the simplest board games can be the most beneficial because they promote thinking and social time with your child.” Go out for coffee or cocoa. This will provide a short but much needed break for you and your teenager. Use the time to catch up on each other’s lives. Go to a sporting event. Let your child select her favorite team or sport and make a day of it. Volunteer together. This is a wonderful way to spend time together and contribute to the community. Opportunities to get involved are plentiful—consider a local animal shelter, daycare center or nursing home. Spend time at the library or bookstore. Select books that you will both enjoy reading and plan for a discussion when you’ve finished the books. Redecorate your child’s room. Put aside your own sense of style and allow your teenager to make executive decisions. You will learn more about your child’s tastes and show her that you respect her preferences. Teach your children how to cook their favorite meal. Have fun together while learning practical skills. Plus, now they can take over the dinner responsibilities from time to time. Turn college visits into family trips. Whether you’re driving nearby or flying across the country, this senior year necessity can be transformed into family fun. Stop off at interesting local attractions on the way. Study a foreign language together. Your teenager is likely learning a language in school, so why not see what the rest of the family can pick up? You can test each other and visit culturally relevant places such as restaurants and museums. Exercise together. This has the dual benefits of promoting family time and physical health. Try renting an exercise video or going for a jog—work up a sweat together. By Heidi Neuzil