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Teen-Friendly Family Outings
By Sharon Waldrop
An idea in the works: we are starting to re-decorate our home, and I know that my teen wouldn't mind strolling through furniture stores seeking out decorating ideas. Checking out the insides of model homes in the area is another way to gain decorating savvy together as a family, hopefully without placing a bid on a new, beautiful house.
Doretta Thompson from Ontario, Canada is the mother of one teenager and another child who is counting the days to the teenage years (and they are quickly approaching).
Doretta's family has a special New Year's Eve ritual. "In the afternoon, we go to the Pantomime which is a British tradition that has been revived in Toronto," Doretta says. "Next, we go for an early dinner to the same restaurant every year, then we go home early and watch all the political satire specials on television and welcome in the New Year with champagne and sparkling grape juice."
Doretta shares other ideas for teen-friendly family outings that work well for her family:
- Apple-picking at a heritage orchard in the fall.
- Playing squash at the health club (dad can still beat everyone).
- Cheering for each other in their respective sporting events.
- An annual picnic held by a parent's employer.


