Mothers: i dont have any children of my own.?

Question

I have a 13 yr old nephew who i will be spending a few days with while his mother is out of town. Anyway he's forever on his own, forever in his room and im thinking its just typical 13 yr old stuff..but i want to get him out of the house, and give him a chance to enjoy life etc...his mother works alot so he really never gets to eat healthy..usually depending on microwavables etc...question is do you have any suggestions as to what type of activity i can do with him..i live in texas and the weather is nice enough for just about anything...im open to any and all suggestions..thank you..oh, 3 days i'll be with him, and we live in austin texas.

Answer 1

Do a websearch for Austin, Texas teen programs. Lots will come up, and you can pick and choose depending on what you think best for him.

And for goodness' sake, cook for him all three nights, and maybe teach him how to cook a few things (not microwavable) so he can cook for himself, too.

Check out the link below, lots of neat programs.

Answer 2

His perception of enjoying life probably won't match yours. Kids don't spend enough time outside anymore; they want to play video games and listen to music they enjoy, mainly by themselves or with friends at that age. That being said, there are still athletic activities a boy that age might enjoy (not necessarily outdoors, though): a paintball fight, a visit to the batting cage if he enjoys baseball, a visit to a skateboard park if he's into that (for example).

I strongly suggest you outright ask him what activities he might enjoy, because at that age he has been exposed to many activities (through school and peers) that he might like trying for himself.

Every child is different. My kids like to listen to music, rent videos, play video games, surf the Internet (supervised), ride bikes, go skating, have bonfires (make smores), go fishing and see new places in nature (go hiking, swimming, or just take a walk). Their favorite things to do seem to involve technology of any sort, though. Whatever you two decide, take along a camera to record your fun.

As far as healthy eating habits, that will take more than three days to teach. Perhaps you could talk to him and your sister (?) about healthy snacks. My kids like to munch on raw veggies and ranch dressing, and they slather celery stalks with peanut butter. Plus, we make pizzas out of Triscuits, or Texas-style garlic bread, and you just pop them in the oven or microwave long enough to melt the cheese. (Eat them while you watch a rented movie he chose, perhaps.)

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Get him to do any outdoor sports activity that you would like to do as well. Swimming, basketball, throwing a ball around. You can make him good dinners like baked chicken, whole wheat pasta, veggies that he likes, fruits (since you are also concerned about his diet). Find out what he likes to do besides sitting in his room. What did you like to do when you were 13? Think back and try to use that for inspiration. Good luck and have fun! If you want some good recipes you can email me. I'll give you some good ideas, I love to cook. Or you can hit any recipe site.

Answer 4

Thats so wonderful that you want to spend quality time with your nephew...Im sure he'll have a great time. Too bad there aren't more men like you in the world.

Answer 5

Basketball, football, basically any kind of sport. That way, he'll get outside and be able to spend time with you. Or you can let him pick what to do(as long as it isn't sitting in his room,etc.) and just tag along with him. Just show him that there's more to do than sit inside. And try to talk to him and show interest in what he's saying or what he likes to do.

Answer 6

Take him bike riding or maybe you could take him swimming. If you know how to cook, maybe you could make him some healthy homemade meals. The best of luck to you!

Answer 7

Any theme parks or water parks around? He would probably love that.