Keep Your Teenagers Happy This Holiday Season

Teenagers can contribute to a great source of laughter, fun and memory-making over the holidays, but there are times when, as a parent or family member, things can get a little out of hand. It's when these times occur that we need to have the tools necessary to fend off any anger, frustration or negative feelings that may surface. Boredom is a contributing factor that will help add your teenager onto Santa's naughty list. Add boredom to any situation involving a teenager and you may have a potential recipe for disaster.

The following list will aid you and your family in creating your own mini-list to keep in your proverbial back pocket during this holiday season. Not everything on the list will fit your specific situation, but some just might. In any case, utilize the list below in the way that it makes sense to you and your loved ones this holiday.

Ways to Steer Boredom into Constructive Behavior

1. Bring along a favorite portable video game or two when traveling to another home for the holidays.

2. Find out which entertainment consoles will be available (if any) at your family member's home and plan accordingly.

3. Let your teen keep their earphones in - it won't hurt anyone and it'll keep them happy (and quiet!).

4. If they speak up and want to do something that isn't on your "to do list", contemplate before saying no. It could be a great trade-off for both of you!

5. Turn "down time" into "family time" and share stories involving your kids. Most teens like to hear about themselves so this should be a big hit.

6. Sitting by the fire this Christmas? Have your teenager bring along his/her ipod or stereo system and play the music you'll all be enjoying.

7. Ask everyone at your Christmas party to write down five things they are grateful for and then have them throw it in a hat. Have your teen pull them one at a time, read them aloud and then announce who wrote each one.

8. Teenagers love food! Ask your teen which dessert is his/her favorite and then make it together.

9. Christmas is a great opportunity to watch Rudolph, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and The Island of Misfit Toys. Pick one you and your teenager love, pop some popcorn and enjoy it together.

10. Have a day between Christmas and New Year's where you do whatever your teen wants to do. Make it his/her day and help them feel special this holiday. It goes a long way towards a great attitude in your teen!

One of the most important things to remember is that your teenager is searching for his/her own voice. Your teen doesn't want to be told what he/she has to do over the holidays. Instead, they want to feel like they are making their own decisions. One way to help things move in the desired direction is to have a conversation before embarking on any major holiday plans. Include your teenager in the conversation and watch him/her open up and take part in the holidays even more.