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Getting along with teenage grandchildren

Just had two grandkids to stay for a few days while their parents were away and it was like drawing teeth getting any conversation!


The younger one was happy to play a board game with me and wanted to Netflix a series of films but the 15 yr old was glued to her phone and mostly in her bedroom.


Any tips - I want a good relationship with her but she was hard work?


Created By on 27/09/2019

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Nighthawk42
18th Mar 2023 14:59:14 (Last activity: 18th Mar 2023 15:20:30)
0
Thanks for voting!
Mine do the same thing. I used to feel like I was torturing them when I asked them to take a break and play trivial pursuit, dominoes or scrabble. Now I think they like it (though they won't always admit it). I try and go play their video games with them. There are a few that aren't terrible - and it's a win/win - I get to spend time with them and they have someone they can beat mercilessly.

I asked them why they are so engrossed in their phones. The fifteen-year-old said he feels like he's forged a relationship with his favorite youtubers. He is invested in their post. It is so scary!!
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 18th Mar 2023 15:20:30
Hi Nighthawk42,

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mildredsmith
21st Apr 2022 14:24:56 (Last activity: 22nd Apr 2022 07:31:49)
0
Thanks for voting!
try and take the time to appeal to her interests
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 22nd Apr 2022 07:31:49
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LindaT42
12th Apr 2021 17:12:20 (Last activity: 12th Apr 2021 18:26:06)
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Thanks for voting!
I have a 14 year old granddaughter and same thing. Welcome to the life of teens I suppose! She is content on her phone doing tic-to and texting and whatever else with her friends! It's tough but occasionally I can get her to bake or do something with me!
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 12th Apr 2021 18:26:06
Hi LindaT42,

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Docstrange
9th Jul 2020 01:22:48 (Last activity: 9th Jul 2020 08:10:01)
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Thanks for voting!
It’s goofy how these kids need media. They couldn’t name a member of the congress but they know rap music and games
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 9th Jul 2020 08:10:01
Hi Docstrange,

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Dani
5th Oct 2019 12:05:38
0
Thanks for voting!
I have nine grandchildren ranging from 21 to just 2. They’re all very different but equally loved. I don’t make rules for them. When they’re with me, we just go with the flow. Yes, sometimes they disappear with their phones but that’s just a symptom of the age; they don’t mean to be rude. I leave them be, call them if there’s something more interesting to do, and listen to them. We’re close, they love being with me, it’s a easy going relationship. I find that the less critical and bossy one is, the more teenagers relax and open up...and the grandparent becomes the one to talk to, so the phone goes back in the pocket.
It’s hard to accept differing social norms but it’s that or lose them.
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ArchieUK
5th Oct 2019 10:01:41
0
Thanks for voting!
We hav e a rule in our house, you can take a call as long as is a quick reply, but you do not make a call and everything in the room is present, no secrets.
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