By Amy Thomas, Executive Function Success Coach, Hi-Lite Coaching and Consulting
As our kids grow into teenagers, it can feel like the connection we once had with them starts to slip away. Between school, friends, and their growing independence, it’s easy to feel like we're missing out on that quality time we used to enjoy. But here’s the good news: creating family traditions can help keep that connection strong! In fact, traditions are an incredible way to build lasting memories, offer moments of real connection, and keep the bond with your teen solid—even as they grow into adulthood.
How do we create family traditions that don’t feel forced or outdated but instead, keep everyone—especially your teen—excited to participate? Here are five fun and flexible ideas to help you create traditions that last through the teenage years and beyond!
First, involve your teen in the process. Teens love having a say in things, so make your traditions collaborative! Whether it’s a weekly family dinner, a seasonal activity, or something as simple as a monthly movie night, let them help plan it. When teens feel like their voice is heard, they’re more likely to look forward to family traditions, because they helped create them! You could even rotate the planning duties between family members so everyone gets a chance to bring their ideas to the table. It’s all about making traditions fun, not a chore.
We all know teens have packed schedules, so it’s important to remember: it’s all about quality, not quantity. Don’t worry about making traditions huge, time-consuming events. Instead, focus on small, meaningful moments. Maybe it’s Sunday breakfast together or a short monthly hike. It doesn’t have to take up a whole day—just those little pockets of time where you can truly connect and catch up. Those are the moments that stick and make your teen feel loved and valued without adding any extra pressure to their busy lives. I know a
Another key is to keep your traditions flexible. Let’s be real—what your teen loves this year might not be their thing next year, and that’s okay! Be open to changing things up if your traditions no longer feel like a good fit. If your annual camping trip is losing its spark, try switching it up with a weekend road trip or even a fun staycation with activities planned at home. Flexibility keeps traditions from feeling stale and helps them evolve as your teen grows and their interests change.
Speaking of what’s important, it’s also a great idea to create traditions that reflect your family’s values. Think about the things your family holds dear. Are there any cultural, religious, or ethical values you want to highlight? Maybe it’s volunteering together during the holidays, sharing a weekly dinner where everyone talks about something meaningful, or celebrating special family events in unique ways. Traditions rooted in your values give your teen a sense of identity and help them feel connected to what really matters in your family.
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate those milestones together! The teenage years are full of huge accomplishments, whether it’s graduating, getting their first job, or earning their driver’s license. Make a tradition of celebrating these big (and even small!) moments as a family. It could be a special dinner, a fun day trip, or even creating a scrapbook of their achievements. Celebrating milestones together shows your teen that you see their hard work and growth, and it’s a great way to make them feel supported and cherished during this exciting and sometimes challenging phase of life.
At the end of the day, family traditions are more than just routines—they’re opportunities to stay connected with your teen in a fun, meaningful way. By keeping things collaborative, focusing on quality time, staying flexible, celebrating milestones, and weaving in your family’s values, you can create traditions that last well into adulthood. The memories and bonds you build now will carry your relationship with your teen into the future, strengthening that connection for years to come!
Amy Thomas, Executive Function Success Coach, Hi-Lite Coaching and Consulting
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