Living with teenagers can feel like navigating a storm. Considering how your home functions with teenagers may make a difference during these sometimes stormy years. By adapting your home to create dedicated zones for parents, teens, and shared family time, you can foster a sense of calm—well, at least most of the time! Here’s how to organise your home for older or even adult children.
Let's be honest; sometimes you just need a break. Here are some suggestions for creating a dedicated parents-only zone:
While separate zones are important, shared spaces create the foundation for lasting family connection.
Teenagers love to be included, especially when food is involved. Cooking videos are all the rage, so use this to your advantage. Create a "Family Recipe Night" where you learn a new dish together. Equip your kitchen with age-appropriate tools and guide them through the process. Not only will they learn valuable life skills, but it can be a fun bonding experience.
Studies show that shared family meals lead to better future outcomes for children. So make dinner time a priority, where you encourage conversation and avoid distractions like phones.
A communal space that acts as a natural gathering area is paramount, which might be at the kitchen island, a dining table, or the lounge room.
Your shared space also needs cleaning, so take the time to teach your teens basic cleaning skills and involve them in running the house. Divide chores fairly, and consider rewarding them for consistently completing their chores with something meaningful to them.
Creating a teen-friendly home is a win-win situation. It fosters their sense of independence while providing a much-needed escape for you.
If you need more space for parent and teen retreats, talk to the LJ Hooker Mona Vale team about upsizing to a bigger family home in the Northern Beaches. Let us know what you’re looking for and we can talk you through preparing your current home for sale so that when the right time comes you’re ready to act.