It may seem like parents of teens are incapable of doing anything right. After all, our teens have made it clear that we annoy them more often than not—even when we’re not trying to. That’s why we loved a recent post on social media where parents shared things they did or said that made their teen’s day.
Not only is it clear that parents of teens are kind and thoughtful and willing to go the extra mile for their teens, but also there are many small gestures parents can make that teenagers truly appreciate. Whether it’s offering words of encouragement or providing a pick-me-up treat, parents have found ways to spark joy from their teens.
43 Ways to Make Your Teen’s Day
- Buy her French fries
- “That was a really good choice. I’m proud of you.”
- “I love you!”
- “Your lashes look amazing!”
- Fill up their gas tank
- Take them to Starbucks
- Make their favorite foods
- Tidy their room
- “Let’s go clothes shopping!”
- Bring the dog to pick them up. The dog magically disarms the crankiest of moods and washes away bad days
- Bake cake and make lemonade—our favorite foods— together
- Buy them anything from Chick-fil-A – works every time
- Pizza for dinner
- Do their laundry
- Hugs
- Snuggles at tuck in time
- Make her food, even though she’s perfectly capable of doing it when I’m not around
- Let them pick dinner
- “I caught you doing something GOOD today.”
- “I see you working hard to become a mature, responsible young adult.”
- “Breakfast is ready! Lunch is ready! Dinner is ready!”
- Tell her I’m free whenever she wants to talk
- Here’s $20.00. Cash always seems to make them smile, lol
- “I’ll make your brother do it.”
- When I’m cool with her last-minute plans
- When I bring home a large bag of Takis
- When I let them listen to whatever they want on the radio
- When I send them cute pics of when they were little
- When I do something 1:1 with each one
- When I stop talking when they ask me to
- “You’re the best!”
- The sound of Venmo
- I text a meme every morning on their way to school
- Burgers
- Give them a hug and say nothing at all
- “You are right.”
- When I paint her nails
- Make them breakfast and buy snacks
- I text “Whataburger”
- Make him a PBJ sandwich
- Leave an inspirational quote in her lunchbox
- “Keep the change.”
- “I love you.” ❤️
A few takeaways from this amazing list. First, it seems that the way to a teen’s heart is through their stomach. Do not underestimate the power of a well-timed and well-intentioned snack or meal. Second, even though teens spend the better part of their days pushing us parents away as they strive for independence, sometimes it’s nice to have someone take care of you. Finally, it always feels good to be the person who can make a teen smile.
