So, you decided to plan a trip with your family. But there's one problem, the family includes a teenager. And unless they're scrolling through social media, watching YouTube, or texting a friend, they're impossible to please. But don't worry. All hope isn't lost. Here are some tips to ensure everyone (including your hard-to-please teen) in your family has an enjoyable trip.
Plan a trip that gives them independence. As much as you'll hate to admit it, teens don't want to spend their days with their parents and younger siblings. Give them some space and freedom to explore on their own.
Consider cruise vacations that have designated spaces and activities for teens.
Get them their own neighboring or connecting hotel room, so they have space to be alone.
Look into all-inclusive resorts that also have activities, entertainment, and other teens for them to socialize with.
Include activities they enjoy. Teens get bored quickly and need to be stimulated with activities that intrigue them. First, talk to your teen, and find out what activities they'd like to do and see on your trip. Then, plan for those activities and include some of your own suggestions as well. This way, they feel included in the planning process and won't feel like you're bossing them around. They tend to hate that.
Be realistic. Most teens and kids, in general, are not going to be interested in museum trips, visiting historical monuments, or other culture-related activities. Filling your day with these types of activities is setting you up for a miserable day. You can expect lots of complaining and resistance. While you don't have to completely throw away the culture and history activities, be sure to mix it up and include activities your teens will enjoy, like theme parks, water activities, and fun restaurants.
Allow them to invite a friend on the trip. This is especially true for only children. Having a friend along will make it easier for them to enjoy the trip and take some of the burdens off of their parents. It may cost a little more, but it's worth it if your teen is more likely to enjoy the trip.
Understand that technology is coming on the trip with you. You may be tempted to insist that your teen and other family members put away their technology, unplug, and really connect during the trip, but that's probably not going to happen. Not only will it not happen, but insisting on it is a surefire way to give you a headache and spoil your fun. Instead, set some limits, but embrace your differences. Allow your teen to document their experience and share it with their friends at home. Smile for the selfies and join in the fun. And who knows… you might finally start to understand that TikTok thing.
Pick your battles. The time will come when your teen will give you a hard time and an epic battle will threaten to ruin the day. Don't let it! Take a deep breath and ask yourself... is it worth it?
If your teen wants to sleep in and miss breakfast... LET THEM.
If your teen doesn't want to go with you to the beach...LEAVE THEM.
If your teen is in a mood and wants to take a nap...DON'T ARGUE WITH THEM!
If your teen wants cereal for dinner, GIVE IT TO THEM.
Some things are just not worth the fight, especially when you're on vacation. There's a thing that happens to our sweet babies once they turn into teens. They become grumpy, easily bored, and sometimes rude. They become people we barely recognize. But this is just a season in their lives. Eventually, they'll outgrow the phase and become people we actually enjoy being around again.
Until then, be sure to pack little patience (and some of these tips) and enjoy the journey!
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