As a dad, you know it can sometimes be difficult to spend quality time with your teenage son. It seems like he’s always glued to his phone or video games. Getting teenagers to put down their screens and head outside can be tough—but it’s important for their physical and mental health.
One great way to get your son off his phone and engage in healthy activities is by playing sports together. Here are a few great sports that you and your teen son can enjoy together:
Tennis
Playing tennis with your teenage son can be a great way to spend quality time together. Not only is tennis a fun and challenging sport, but it also provides an opportunity for father-son bonding.
Moreover, playing tennis can help to improve your son’s hand-eye coordination and reflexes. If you and your son are both competitive, you may even find yourselves getting better at the game as you strive to beat each other. In addition, playing tennis can be a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. So next time your son asks you to play a match, don’t hesitate to say yes. You may just have a blast.
Golf
Golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great way to exercise while spending time with friends or family. If you’re looking for a way to connect with your teenage son, why not try golf?
It’s a great way to spend quality time together while getting fresh air and enjoying the outdoors. Golf can also be a great opportunity to teach your son some valuable life lessons. For example, it can help him to learn about honesty, sportsmanship, and patience.
Swimming
As a teenager, your son is likely to be full of energy and enthusiasm. Swimming is a great way for him to stay active and get some exercise. It’s also a lot of fun! Swimming with your son is a great way to bond with him and create lasting memories.
Here are some tips for making the most of your time together in the pool:
- Encourage him to try different strokes and diving techniques. Swimming is a great workout but can also be a creative outlet. Encouraging your son to experiment with different strokes and diving techniques will help him find his unique style.
- Make the game fair. If you’re playing tag or another game where one person is “it,” make sure your son has a fair chance of winning. No one likes to feel like they’re always the one getting caught!
- Take turns being “it.” Being “it” can be tiring, so take turns with your son. That way, you’ll both get a chance to rest between bursts of activity.
Hiking/Exploring nature
Another great way to bond with your teenage son is to go on hikes together. It allows you to unplug from technology and clear your head while enjoying the great outdoors.
It also gives you time to talk, and you may be surprised at how much your son has to say when there are no distractions. In addition, hiking is a great way to get exercise and can be a bonding experience for the whole family.
Basketball
Finally, playing basketball is one of the most popular and fun activities you can enjoy together with your son. Not only is basketball a fun and competitive sport, but it’s also a great way to exercise. Playing basketball outdoors also has the added benefit of connecting you with nature. As you play, you’ll likely notice the sounds of the birds and the breeze rustling through the leaves of the trees. You and your son can also take a break from the game to explore your surroundings and marvel at the beauty of nature.
However, you should know that because basketball is a highly physical sport, there are some risks of injury. Some major injuries that can be sustained from playing basketball improperly are ankle sprains, knee injuries, muscle strains, and even tooth loss caused by a collision with another player. So before you and your son head out to the court, take steps to minimize your risk of injury. Wear appropriate protective gear like a mouth guard and knee pads, warm up properly, and know how to fall safely if you trip or get knocked down by another player.
But if you or your son still sustain injuries, immediately seek the proper medical attention. For example, if you sustain tooth loss due to a collision, visit a dental office and consider getting affordable tooth implants. These artificial teeth look and feel just like real teeth, and they can restore the function of your smile after an injury. And they won’t break the bank, so you can get back to basketball and enjoy time with your son in no time!
Sports offer a great opportunity for dads to spend quality time with their sons while getting some exercise at the same time. Tennis, golf, swimming, hiking/exploring nature, and basketball are excellent activities you can do together. So get off the couch, put down those screens, and head outside for some father-son bonding time!