Better Home Improvement: Create a Home Theater for Your Teens
One problem for parents is trying to keep their teen kids at home, at least some of the time, and away from potential trouble. What better way than to make a home theater room or multipurpose area just for your teen kids and their friends so they spend more time at your place.
When you make your family’s home a welcoming place for them, then you may find your teenager more willing to spend time at home. Providing teens with a safe area in which they can hang out without having you hovering over them like a helicopter parent means they will be more likely to spend time at home.
Respect your budget
Your teen would definitely enjoy an 82 inch TV. However, going with a smaller television in order to add comfortable furniture and new video games can be a wonderful compromise. This also teaches your teen the value of money.
Theme vs. the Basics
Ask your kids if they want a theme based room (based on their design) or if they prefer a basic theater and game room. They may decide on a theme based on a popular video instead of just a popcorn motif. They might even suggest additional stuff like a mini-fridge or a billiard table.
Snacks
If you are going to have teens in and out of your home, snacks are a must. You don’t always have to bake brownies with marshmallows and puffed rice cereals. A cabinet of grab-and-go snacks and a mini-fridge with soda drinks is good enough.
Variety
A ping pong table, billiard table, gaming console, or some other activity besides watching movies can make a family theater room a lot of fun for teenagers. Add some fun props to create a wall photo booth where they can snap pictures.
Strong Furniture
You will want furniture that holds up to a lot of wear and tear. Before buying furniture for your new home theater room, read some online suggestions and consider recliners. Don’t crowd the area with furniture. If you are shipping or storing it, hire a good shipping container.
Respecting the Rules
Let your teens know that they can hang out with their friends without you popping in every five minutes, as long as they do not give you a reason to do so. Teenagers and even young children actually want rules, because it makes them feel loved by their parents or guardians.
One basic and strong rule is the prohibition of alcohol or drugs in your home. Another is the rule about movies that contain objectionable content. Have them tidy up before everyone leaves to go home. Rules are not a way to make things less fun for teenagers. They are guidelines for keeping your teens and their friends safe while in your home.