Being a parent to teenagers isn’t easy, but it’s an important job. There are two ways that a teenager is likely to bond with his parents. One way is face to face time – which is time you spend looking at each other and sharing details from your life. Another way is shoulder to shoulder time – which is when you sit next to each other (but not necessarily look at each other) and your teen feels comfortable to open up. Both forms of communication are important and neither is more valuable than the other, but it’s important you make time for it. What we’ve heard from our customers is that time in a hot tub is the best way to do just that. Consider these 4 ways to connect with your teen in your hot tub.
Put Away Distractions
Whether you look at each other face to face or you’re shoulder to shoulder, there shouldn’t be distractions. If you’re busy looking at your phone or tablet while your teen wants to talk, it sends the signal that you’re not willing to listen. Enjoy time watching movies or listening to music in your tub, but also make time to sit and just relax in silence to encourage an open line of communication.
Listen Intently
Our customers declare that our hot water jets act eerily similar to truth serum when they’re in the hot tub with their teen. Even kids who are usually quiet or utter one-word responses to your questions are more likely to open up in a hot tub.
Keep It Simple: Relax
It’s a hot tub, not a negotiating table or a conference room. If you’re in the hot tub pretending to relax but you have a secret agenda, teenagers can spot that quickly. Relax and spend time together in the hot tub. That time will build the trust between you and the teenagers in your life, and remember that it’s okay if everything isn’t resolved before you dry off.
Invite Their Friends
Open up your family’s hot tub to be a gathering place for your teen and her friends. Invite everyone over for birthday parties, pre-prom relaxation, or even after-practice soaks for the entire sports team. You’ll get to know the people they hang out with at school, and your teen will likely trust you with the details of their friends’ lives, too.