Easter with Teens: New Traditions

Easter with Teens: New Traditions. Easter Sunday has hopped right this year, and while the days of epic egg hunts and arts and crafts masterpieces might be a thing of the past for some of us, the spirit of renewal and togetherness can still bloom beautifully, even with teenagers in the house.

Let’s be honest, Easter with little people is a sensory explosion of pastel colours, chocolate treats, and the excitement of the Easter bunny leaving Easter treats and even a little present. It’s a whirlwind of sticky fingers, sugar highs, and the infectious excitement of tiny humans believing in a fluffy rabbit who hides chocolate eggs. But as our kids grow older, the magic can seem to fade, replaced by rolled eyes and mumbled “I don’t feel like it.” It’s enough to make you miss the days of making paper mache eggs and colouring eggs with onion peel. 

However, here’s the thing: Easter Sunday isn’t just about bunny baskets. It’s a celebration of new beginnings, a reminder that life, like spring, constantly renews itself. And guess what? That applies to our approach to Easter/Christmas too!

This year, while traditional activities might not have happened, why not create new traditions for next Easter

Re-imagining Easter: The Teenage Conundrum

I think we need to acknowledge the elephant in the room, or perhaps more accurately, the teenager slumped in their bed. The transition from childhood Easter traditions to an adult-oriented celebration has been tricky for myself and I can only assume for my children too.

On the one hand, I feel a pang of sadness at the seemingly lost magic. Sometimes, I miss the days of planning egg hunts with friends, decorating the house with Easter decorations, and witnessing the pure joy on our children’s faces.  It can be hard to accept that those days are gone, and it’s easy to feel a twinge of guilt for wanting to recreate those happy memories.

On the other hand, I think teenagers themselves might be caught in a strange limbo.  Some of them might still crave a taste of that childhood magic – the excitement of the hunt, the thrill of finding a hidden chocolate treasure. However, another part of them desperately wants to be seen as grown-ups, too cool for such “childish” things.  This internal conflict might leave them feeling confused and unsure of how to express their desires. That’s my take on it. Quote me if I am wrong.

Finding the Golden Easter Egg: Rekindling the Spirit Together

So, how do we navigate this Easter minefield?  How do we bridge the gap between nostalgic parents and teenagers yearning for both childhood magic and adult recognition?  The answer lies in understanding that Easter Sunday is about more than just chocolates and egg hunts.

It’s about celebrating new beginnings, about cherishing the gift of family, and about creating shared memories that evolve with each passing year.  Here are some tips to help you reconnect with your grown-up chicks this Easter and beyond:

Embrace the Unexpected (and the Exhaustion)

Sometimes, the most cherished memories are unplanned.  Be open to spontaneous activities, whether it’s taking a walk in the park or in our case at the seafront, enjoying a family dinner, or simply watching an Easter movie while snuggled under a cosy blanket.

The Teenage Motivation Maze:

Let’s be honest, sometimes motivating teenagers is like navigating a labyrinth blindfolded.  They can be masters of the art of the eye roll, the sigh that could rival a deflating balloon, and the one-word responses that leave you questioning your entire parenting approach.   And let’s face it,  by the time Easter rolls around, you might be feeling more like a deflated balloon yourself.  The exhaustion of daily life can leave you yearning for peace and quiet!

The Power of Small Gestures:

Here’s the thing: even with teenagers who seem constantly glued to their phones/games consoles or lost in their own world, there’s still a spark of connection waiting to be rekindled.  The key is to approach them with understanding and a sprinkle of creativity.

• Start Small: Still give them an Easter treat, a basket with their favourite chocolates or a home made paper mache egg made out of toilet paper and water
• Appeal to Their Interests: Remember, teenagers are individuals with their own passions and hobbies. The key is to find a common ground that allows you to connect without feeling forced.

The Power of “Maybe Later”:  Let’s face it, sometimes the best answer is “maybe later.”  If your teenager is firmly entrenched in their own world and politely (or not so politely) declines your initial attempts at Easter activities, don’t despair.  Leave the door open for future engagement.

Remember, parents:

It’s okay if things don’t go according to plan.  There might be some eye rolls, a few sighs, and maybe even a grumble or two.  But don’t let that discourage you.  The point isn’t to recreate a picture-perfect Easter from their childhood.  It’s about fostering connection, showing your love, and creating new memories, even if they’re a little different from what you might have envisioned.Embrace the exhaustion. You’re doing a fantastic job.  And even if your Easter celebration resembles a quiet movie night with minimal interaction, know that this too is a memory being formed, a testament to the ever-evolving bond between you and your teenagers.  Happy Easter!