Music and Bonding: Teens

Some people will probably see the title of this blog and not even continue reading. However, I did put teens AND bonding together on purpose, because it is a thing that can and does occur. One of my very first blog posts that I wrote was around this time a year ago on the 5 Love Languages. If you missed it, click here to catch up: Where Is the Love? 

We all give and receive love differently, and I think it goes hand in hand with how to bond with your teen. As someone who spent the bulk of their music therapy training working with 14-21 year olds, ideas, thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams are communicated through music. So whether you are a parent to an 18 year old, a teacher to a 16 year old, or a grandparent to a 14 – here are some ways you can bond with the teens in your life using music.

1. Let them be the DJ. When you’re able to get your teen in your presence for an extended period of time, it is usually a miracle, especially in a vehicle. Many times parents can become bothered by the constant headphone in ear phenomenon, so use a trip to the mall or grocery store as an opportunity to bond over music. Allow your child to have control of the radio. You’d be surprised what could happen…
2. Workout Together. You’re probably wondering what on earth that has to do with music, right? Well, it’s been proven that listening to music makes for better workouts, and what better time to encourage healthy and positive habits then in the adolescent years.
3. Ask for suggestions. We always feel pretty special and validated when we are asked our opinion or advice, no matter the topic. If you’re creating a new workout playlist, or a playlist for when you drive to work, ask the teen in your life for some tunes they’d recommend. You may be able to draw some parallels between the songs they recommend and music you preferred when you were their age.

The opportunities for bonding are endless, and I’d love to know if you try any of these or have any methods of your own that work just as well.