It's Puzzling
Make logic and reasoning puzzles part of the tween routine. It’s fun, and it helps tweens build confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills that reap cognitive and emotional rewards in and out of school, says Bill Ritchie, founder of Thinkfun. He suggests something like Rush Hour, which can be adjusted for level of difficulty, or crosswords or Sudoku.
Animals Count, Too
Call or visit your local animal shelter to see where they need help, says Nancy Lublin, CEO of DoSomething.org. The shelter might need dog walkers or people to help clean up. Shelters also often have a wish list for donated items, so your kids can start a blanket and towel drive, for example. They can also use their hobbies to raise money, such as a bake sale, car wash or yard sale.
Swim With Card Sharks
Remember your grandmother playing canasta, pinochle and whist? Send kids on a classic cards adventure by researching the rules from a library book or online. Add a modern spin such as "lifelines" to family or timed Google searches for help, suggests Ritchie.
RELATED: Backyard Games for the Whole Family
Thanks for the Memories
After a vacation or visit to a mini-golf course, the beach or an amusement park, have the kids create a scrapbook from pictures, ticket stubs and other items, suggests Ingrid Kellaghan, founder of Cambridge Nanny Group in Chicago.
RELATED: Celebrate the Family Road Trip
Supersize Something
Ritchie dares you to go big! Gather papier-mâché supplies, poster paint, a large roll of brown paper and magic markers, and get ready to create a large-scale version of an everyday small object. Even the typical toothbrush is riveting when it’s 6 feet long! Add wire hangers, cotton balls, yarn and other found objects as necessary.
Freaky Food Day
Have kids come up with a completely original meal featuring unexpected food combinations, then help them shop for it and step in where necessary on the cooking, suggests Ritchie. You might learn that you actually love carrots drizzled in chocolate sauce.
RELATED: Breakfast Recipes Your Kids Can Make
Make Some News
Kids can start their own newspaper, comic book or talk show featuring people in their communities, family members and even pets. Plan a viewing or reading party for the unveiling when it’s done!
Create an Heirloom
Kellaghan says yard-sale hopping is a great parent-tween activity that can be used to teach the value of money and how to spot great bargains. It’s also an excellent way to get those creative juices flowing: Perhaps you can pick up an old piece of furniture and restore or repurpose it together, which can teach valuable hands-on skills.
Box of Love
Putting together care packages for local troops or those in need can teach a child to be charitable. Deliver the finished packages in person if possible, so the child can see the joy that the packages bring the recipients, suggests Kellaghan.
DIY
Craft and home improvement stores have a calendar of classes and activities, many of which are fine for kids to join. Kelleghan thinks perhaps there’s a simple home renovation project in your child’s future!
Cook up a Book
Another of Kellaghan's ideas is to plan a cookbook together with your favorite family recipes and photographs. You can design it on the computer and have it bound at a nearby office supply store or through a photo site such as Shutterfly.com. Bonus: The books will make great holiday gifts.
