If you are the parent of a teenager, you already know the issues; glued to their devices, they spend far too much time chatting on Facebook and posting their selfies on Twitter, and the kids are missing out on fun-based physical activities that they really need at this stage of their life. One of the hardest things about being a teenager is finding a focus for your energy, a hobby or sport that you are passionate about, and if your kids are lacking in exposure to the great outdoors, here are a few ideas to inspire.
- Roller Skating – This has developed from a very basic pair of boots with wheels bolted on, to hi-tech designs, with amazing wheels and a front stop, which is the perfect brake. If you would like to view the top names, check out this great selection of Impala skates that are available from the online retailer. There are roller skating parks everywhere, plus they can skate on any smooth surface, and, of course, we mustn’t forget the safety equipment.
- Biking – A sleek mountain bike will impress any teenager and they come in all sizes and styles, with small bikes that great for trick biking, and if mum and dad got involved, you could invest in a car bike rack and the whole family can go cycling in the country. Again, safety is a prime concern, with helmet, elbow and knee pads, plus boots with solid ankle protection. Kids that take up cycling either turn to the motocross type mini-bike, or are more road orientated; indeed, road cycling is very popular across the world, with large groups in every city.
- Skateboarding – Some kids are naturals, while other try it once and it’s not for them, so it best to play around on someone’s board for a while to see if you like the idea of moving along on a small board. If your child likes skateboarding, there are online suppliers of good quality skateboards and all the accessories, and shopping online saves you 15-20% off the retail price.
- Kick Scooters – these are great little vehicles and ideal for a child who likes the idea of scooting along, and with light and very durable scooters, it can be so much fun on a sloped path or driveway, plus you can propel the scooter to quite a speed. If you want to buy a kick scooter, they can be found at the same store that offers skateboards and roller skates, and there are some very trendy models to suit every taste.
- Wake Boarding – Known also as wake boarding, similar to water skiing, with the exception you are on an oval board, and the skill levels of the pros, demonstrates what is possible. Australians love water sports, so finding a wake board lake is never an issue.
Any of the above could capture your child’s interest and that would soon lead to a passion, which means spending a lot of time outdoors and getting a workout at the same time.