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Teen-Friendly Family Outings
By Sharon Waldrop
It was a normal weekend at my house. As soon as I announced to my teenage daughter that we were going to brunch at the home of a family friend, my daughter asked, "Will there be anyone my age there?" As the "o" in the word "no" was leaving my lips, she asked, "Can I bring a friend?" 
Bring a friend? She sees her friends all day at school and has basketball practice with her teammates weekly. At dinner time I either set an extra place setting because one of her friends will be dining with us, or I set one less place setting because she is dining with a friend elsewhere. I am beginning to get the impression that I am not the apple of my daughter's eye anymore. I am being replaced by a crop of teenagers who share her taste in music, clothes and other things that make me cringe. My daughter doesn't hang around with the wrong crowd; I just wish the crowd included her family more often.
Quality family time is important for children of all ages. It is especially important during the teenage years when young people feel pressure from their peers to become so many things. Teenagers need to be reminded that they are loved and are an important part of the family. Family bonding time promotes feelings of contentment and security. It develops trust.
We both enjoy shopping and going to the beach. She will often ask if a friend can come along. Although I usually say "yes," once in a while I have to say, "No, let's have a family day today." At times, I would rather see her lift her little brother up in the waves at the beach than sit behind the rest of the family discussing boys with a friend. The beach is fun, even if there isn't anyone else between the ages of 13 and 19 along for the day. I know that friends are important, but sometimes the family needs the undivided attention of all of us.