Many parents spend time trying to figure out how to spend more time with their young teens. This is an excellent question because the teen years are some of the most important in your child's life. Unfortunately, these are also some of the busiest for you as a parent, and it can be challenging to find time for yourself too! Here are ten ways that will help you get more quality time with your preteens.

#1 Participate in activities they're interested in

The first step is to find out what your teen enjoys doing. This can be anything from playing video games to watching TV shows to going for a walk. Once you know their interests, try to participate in them as much as possible. For example, if they like playing sports, grab a cheap cricket bat and play with them! If they're into cooking, help them prepare a meal. Spending time together while engaging in common activities is a great way to bond and get to know each other better.

It's also important not to force things if your teen isn't interested in the activity. Just because you like golf doesn't mean they will too! Instead, find something else that sparks their interest and go from there. Don't give up if your child is reluctant to spend time with you. Just keep trying different things until something clicks. It's essential to have a close relationship with your teen, and it will take time and effort on both of your parts to make that happen.

#2 Make quality time a priority

You may make plans to go out with your friends or schedule a date night with your spouse. These things are all well and good, but they shouldn't take priority over spending time with your teen. It can be difficult balancing everything you want to do in life, especially when it comes to family relationships. However, if you prioritize quality time together as much as possible, then there won't be any room for struggling between activities that don't matter the most! 

Quality time is special because it's just about being together; no distractions from electronics or other people around – just you and them talking. You'll have an easier time making memories that will last a lifetime this way, so always put family first whenever possible! Once school is out for the summer, make a point to spend more time with your teen. This could be going on trips, swimming, having cookouts, or just hanging around the house. The key is to do something that you both enjoy and can relax in.

If work keeps you busy during the weekdays, try to schedule weekend days where all family activities will take place. That way, everyone knows what's going on, and there won't be any conflict. Just make sure that it's quality time when you are home from work – no chores or other tasks allowed!

#3 Ask them to make the plans

Another great way to make quality time together is for you to ask your teen(s) to plan the activity. This will allow them to take ownership of something they want to do, and they'll most likely be excited about it too! If this is a new idea, then try having them help with some housework or chores that need to be done first.

Once those are finished, then present the idea as "the next step." They're more than welcome to choose what they'd like after helping out around the house – whether it's cleaning their rooms, going shopping, or just hanging out at home watching movies together. Be open-minded when working with your teen on setting up plans for spending time together; being flexible goes a long way!

#4 Listen to what they have to say

One of the best ways to get closer to your teen is by simply listening to them. This doesn't mean you have to agree with everything they say, but it's essential that you at least hear them out. Not only will this make them feel appreciated and heard, but it will also show that you're interested in their life. Teens go through a lot during those years – from struggling with schoolwork to making friends – so it's crucial that you be there for them when they need someone to talk to.

#5 Offer a judgment-free zone

It's important to have a space where your teen feels comfortable talking about anything. This is something that you should always be setting up throughout the years, and not just when they're teens or preteens! It can help tremendously with building trust between one another.

As a parent, it's your responsibility to make sure everyone in your family has emotional support whenever needed. You may not know what kind of struggles they are facing, but you need to give them the security of knowing there is someone on their side who loves and understands them no matter what.