I must admit with 2 sons in my home I do struggle quite a bit with their gaming.  It is difficult to get them to manage their time and I don't like having to constantly police their gaming time; however, due to the addictive nature of this activity, I do find that I have to.  I would love to hear how other parents manage their teens gaming habits! ... View more

The best thing about being a mum to a teen is the profound moments of personal growth that my teens contribute to.  Seeing the world from their perspective is amazing!  The toughest part of being a mum to a teen is walking with your teen through difficult times and knowing you cannot cushion life's knocks like you did when they were little.   ... View more

Hi @happydayz   I have 12 year old and you're right it is a tricky age as they are not quite independent enough to head out on their own.  After 3 days of I'm BORED I got out all our old board games and put them in a basket in the living room and after a few hours he was rummaging through the basket saying I remember this, I love this game! now he and his older brother have been happily playing cards, cluedo, battleships etc... A friend of mine has bought her pre-teens each a lego remote car to build over the holidays.  With regards outdoorsy stuff, I like @gina-Ro veggie garden suggestion, may try that one out next holidays!   Let me know how you go! ... View more

Hi @Andy002   It sounds to me like you are doing that best you can to find support for your daughter and your family.  I guess the most important thing is keeping yourselves all ‘safe’.  In a moment of calm, after weeks of teen chaos, I got my teens to decide on their safe space in the house and we have made a decision that all of us will go to our 'safe spaces' when we feel angry or unhappy with someone else’s anger.  Sometimes this works!   Keep up the dog walks, that headspace is valuable!  ... View more