We think you're near Los Angeles

Currently in Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles Current temperature: 75°F: Current condition: Clear See Extended Forecast

Valentine's Day: How to say "I love you" to your teenager

Valentine's Day and teens: A gift of time from parents can be priceless. Plan a dinner together.
Valentine's Day and teens: A gift of time from parents can be priceless. Plan a dinner together.
Photo credit: 
Duni.com

With Valentine's Day around the corner, many parents with elementary school children will be purchasing their unique Valentine's box cards depending on your child's interest.  Whether it is Disney, Sponge Bob, Dora the Explorer or Nascar, children are easy to please for this special day.

What about a teenager?  Raising teens is not the easiest job and some teenagers are extremely difficult.  Valentine's Day can give a parent an opportunity to let their teen know just how much  you do love them, even if they give you stress and angst at times.

  • Plan some time together.  Cook their favorite meal or go to their favorite restaurant.  The important thing is you are taking the time to spend it with them.  What a great opportunity to open those lines of communication.
  • If they have special plans with a girlfriend or boyfriend, be sure to make a date on another night to celebrate.  Let your teen know they are important to you, how much you do love them no matter what and you understand that they may want to spend Valentine's Day with their significant other, however you would like a rain check. (Make the plans as near February 14th as possible so the understand it is a special time for parents and teens too).
  • If they do have a significant other they want to take to dinner, you may want to give them a Valentine's card with a gift certificate to a restaurant for them.  This way you are showing your teenager you respect their decision and also want to spend them with them after or before they have their date.
  • We all know it is almost impossible to buy for teens, and Valentine's Day is about expressing love - do it with your time.  It is a priceless gift.

Happy Valentine's Day and make it special for your teenager and family.

Advertisement

, Broward County Parenting Teens Examiner

Sue Scheff is an Author and Parent Advocate. She founded Parents' Universal Resource Experts in 2001. P.U.R.E. is an organization that helps parents with struggling teens. Learn more at www.suescheff.com and email Sue at

Comments

  • Shara 2 years ago

    This is very nice Sue, thank you. It's always a great reminder that our TIME is what our children value most. At any age, really!! And certainly during the teen years, yes. Thanks for the reminder :-)

  • Terri Fraracci Spiritual Living Examiner 2 years ago

    Great ideas! Thanks!

Add a new comment

Join the conversation! Log in here or create a new account if you've never registered before.

Got something to say?

Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!

Don't miss...