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With the demands of work obligations for both teenagers and parents, it is becoming more difficult to spend mealtimes together. If this is a problem in your home, there are other ways to interact with your adolescents and keep connected. Here are some ways to spend quality time:
Take them with you for a drive. If they are ready to drive, go somewhere and practice with them. If you are driving, this is a great time to open up a conversation.
Take your teen to a movie that they want to see.
Go for coffee (or tea) once a week even for just 30 minutes. This is a great opportunity to find out what is going on with their life.
Go shopping at their favorite mall.
Have them help you with a home project: re-papering the bath or painting the kitchen. Teens really do love to help. It makes them feel like you trust them.
Cook with your teenager. This is a great way to share a meal and teach them to cook. It can be a lot of fun, too.
Go to a concert or sporting event with your teen.
Take your teen to work for the day.
Pitch a tent in the backyard and escape the rest of the family for a night.
Go for a nature walk or a hike; pack a lunch, a radio and a sense of adventure.
Make one day per month "all about them" day; let them choose their favorite meal and activity for the day.
Rent movies and stay up late.
Go to the music store with them; let them show you what kind of music they like. (Be interested, even if you don't like it!)
Spend a Saturday morning at the flea market or garage sales. Give them a few bucks and dare them to find the best bargain.
Volunteer with your teenager. Go to Volunteer Match to find great opportunities to help others in need.
Plan a monthly "family night" where you play board games, cards or just hang out and watch movies together.
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Go to a concert or sporting event with your teen. 
