Ideas for Bonding Time with a 10 Yr Old Boy

Most things I have thought of have been mentioned except a ceramics studio (inside). While you each paint a masterpiece, you can chat and bond. Maybe stop off on the way home for an ice cream!

You could play video games with him if he's into that. Take him to Firkin and Kegler over behind Waterford Lakes. Go play with the puppies at Petland. Those are all things that can be done inside.
Take him to a water park.

When my oldest was 10 (he's now 19) we did lots together. We watched Goose bumps (don't think it's on now) and ate pop corn.
But if you have other children around that's going to mean that you'll have to get out and away. Take him to see one of the new movies that just came out.

I was thinking of the same thing. I have an 11 1/2 yr old son, the first middle child. His sister is almost 14 so she gets to do a lot he can't do yet, and his little borther is almost 8 and was the baby of the family for a while. His little brother has lots of things he really likes to do, and he also has a spoiled princess little sister who is 2. He doesn't really have anything he is passionate about. I was thinking of taking him off to an indoor aquarium somewhere, even if it's a trip to Orlando or Georgia. What if you guys went out to dinner and a movie, although movies aren't the best way to hang out, you can talk about it at dinner afterwards, and let him order off the adult menu, since it's just one kid, it's affordable. Or you can go bowling or skating. Bowling can be really cheap if you go certain days or times, Banquet meals have a free coupon on the back. You could go once a week, like on a Tuesday evening, just the two of you. You can keep score and challenge him to beat you, it would be fun. Bring a few bucks to order pizza or drinks there just to make it fun since often when we have all the kids, we as moms on a budget tend to skip the treats because it gets so expensive. But him being allowed to pick out something without worry about what it will cost you will make him feel really special. Spend the time talking about his friends, his school week, etc. Ask him who his best friends are, and if he wants to invite one of them to come along one night. This will give you a chance to get to know his friends which will make him feel like you care about his life outside of the home. Good Luck

Hey Tammi,
The only advice I have for you is find something you both like to do. Could you take him swimming at a community pool, or rock climbing at Augille (in Casselberry), or maybe build something together? Home Depot and Lowes each have programs that run at least once per month on a Saturday AM where you and your child attend and they do a "make and take." To stay close to home, how about a science experiment, growing a plant or garden, or putting together a puzzle that only you and he work on?

On a completely different note, I was a DT consultant (we met through Robyn once at Barnes and Noble) but I am no longer doing that. I have a bunch of DT stuff that you are welcome to have if you'd like (order forms, hostess invitations, etc.). Give me a call and I can tell you more about what I have.

Best Wishes,
S.
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Hi Tammi - my son is 8 and he is the only boy and the youngest of 3! How about a movie and pizza for just the 2 of you. Does he play video games? Maybe you could try that, take him swimming if he enjoys that, my son is a fish and LOVES to swim. I am like you, I do not do well "outdoors" in the summer heat either. How about a craft kit - that is an indoor activity, play a card game, teach him something new, a computer skill, although some kids are more savvy than us parents. My son even asks me to teach him to bake from time to time. Hope this helps.

M. F

Hi Tammi,

I have a similar needy 10 year old son who is the oldest of two children. My youngest is 6 (will be 7 tomorrow) but is autistic, so he gets most of my time. On top of it all I have Multiple Sclerosis, so what we do has to depend on what I am ABLE to do at the time.
What makes him feel special is when I can take him to eat out and just sit and talk, just the two of us, or take him anywhere for that matter. If you have someone that can watch the other 2 children maybe once or twice a month, just going on a drive and going to the park or a movie can give you two a great time together.

Hi Tammi
Having a son myself, I have good memories. I don't know when you'll have ALONE time with your son without the others being around. that's the problem. But here's some ideas. Board games are the best one on one time. Give him some suggestions, but let him pick the one to play. Even card games like war and go fish and memory - placing all the cards upside down and taking turns turning up 2, and if they don't match, putting them back down. Another thing to do is take empty soup cans or veggie cans, peal the paper off, rinse them out good. Fill with water and place them in the freezer for 2 days.(Do this ahead of time). Now you need either cement ground or a very hard table you don't care about. Get a hand towel, a hammer, a pair of goggles, a large nail. Take that and the cans outside or wherever you're doing this project. You put the goggles on, take the hammer and nail, place the can on its side on the towel. What you're going to do is Hammer little nail holes into the can and make a smiley face or some design. When you're donw doing that on both sides of the can, you want two holes up top on opposite sides of can so you can take picture frame wire and make a handle/loop. you place a votive candle down in the bottom of it and you have made a lantern that you put as a center piece. Be sure to light the candle in th evening so all can see the reflection of the little holes. The ice will melt out when you've completed the project enough to slide the rest of the ice out and throw it out. He can make it to give to his dad on Father's Day coming up. Good luck.

Why don't you try to tap into his artistic abilities? It's amazing what can come out of a child at that age. Even doing a painting for his room that's large and he can free to express himself with color. You could be doing some artwork at the same time. Computer games are fun with boys that age. Start teaching him to cook or sew. Tables games like Scrabble or Risk. There are alot of things you just have to mention them and find his response with each.
Going to Barnes & Noble to listen to CD's is one of my grandson's favorite things to do. Good luck, just being with him and giving undivided attention is a step in the right direction.

Dear Tammi,

I have two sons: 15 & 11.

I find that my sons also need individual time. I have had date nights with each of them. Dad gets time at home while one of my sons goes out with me (Mom). It also teaches them about dating and in the future. It is fun as they open the door and show off their manners. It is a great time!

Warmest regards,

LL

Choose one night a week (or do one night a month, if that is too much for you) where, after your little one goes to bed, your older daughter can entertain herself (read a book in her room, color by herself, whatever a 9yo girl is into) and your son can pick an activity just the two of you can do before bedtime together, like play a board game, or make a snack (Rice Krispy treats or something), or do an art project, or watch his favorite movie. He will look forward to his one night each week (or month) knowing that it is his special time with you. Your time together is far more important than the actual "grandeur" of the activity you choose. This way is really inexpensive, occurs on a regular basis, and you don't have to worry about finding someone to watch the other kids.

Have you tried bowling? (It's air conditioned... lol)
Maybe taking him to a "boy" adventure/action movie once a month, just the two of you?
Since you are arty, maybe you could build something together... a birdhouse for the yard? a shelf for his room? (Or go buy one from Michael's and paint it together).... any of the craft ideas, take him with you to the store to pick out materials and paint... and let him do it the way HE wants.. (we parents always want it to look "good" to us... let HIM decide what he wants it to look like)...
Just some thoughts... Mine is 10 in July, and he likes to do all these things, and swimming, riding his bike... etc... But his attention gives out WAY before his younger sister's would doing the same things... so keep that in mind..
Have fun with it!

Hey Tammi, I'm the Mother of a 9y/o & a 5 Y/o. My youngest had extreme medical issues for the first three years. I would find any moment I could to have my oldest to myself. Whether it was a trip to the store, just the 2 of us, running errands, etc. I also took him to a monster truck show, movie, Oops alley game room....his favorite. You'll be surprised, just being alone together gives you the chance to talk and understand what is going on in his world. They really just want your time & attention, no matter what you do. I also give hugs & kisses often, so he knows he is just as special.
Wish you the best,
C.
http://www.workathomeunited.com/C.

Where do you live? How about a local theme park, museum or local event that he would enjoy?

I think you have gotten a lot of good advice. I have two boys - 9 & 12 and try to spend one on one time with each. I definately spend more with the younger, just because the 12 yr old now likes to spend a lot of his time with friends. One thing I did last summer, and am going to do this summer, is sign them up for camp on different weeks, that way I have one week with one in camp, and while that one is in camp, I have free time with the other. Your situation is a little different, as you have the 2 year old, but thought I would mention it. Good Luck!

What about taking him out on a "date." My dad took me and my mom would take my brother. We went to McDonalds and had ice cream sundaes and just sat and talked. They are some of my fave memories from those preteen years. He also took the time to show me how a lady should be treated. I know my mom did the same with my brother and he has turned out to be quite the gentleman. Good luck and have fun!

I can relate...Does he like to read? My 11 yr old has started to pass some really good books to me and we discuss them while I'm reading it and when I'm done. (Tunnels, Where the Red Fern Grows, for example) We've also just gone for ice cream or played yahtzee, clue, scrabble, monopoly or cards after the toddler goes to bed. Ask your son for some ideas, I'm sure he'd have some great ones! I think him knowing you would like to set aside some special time for him would mean the world. I think it's awesome you have this desire...little boys need their mommy's, no matter how old they get:)

Hello Tammi,
My advise would be to just do anything with him go anywhere he wants to go do anything he wants to do.If you have someone to watch your other children then you and him go anywhere and do anything just the two of you He will love it and it does not have to be fancy or even planned you just ask him what he would like to do with you.You might be suprised he might even like some of the same things as you.
Best of luck making memories.
J.
Mother to Abigail and full time Doula

what about a movie both you will like to go watch. or maybe go to pizza hut and get a personal pan pizza. or go get a sunday just the 2 of you.

Hey, Girl:

My turn for some advice. I have a 9 1/2-year old son and grew up with only sisters...boys are a different species!

My son is really into Star Wars (yuck), LEGOS (cool for him...I get bored easily), and taekwondo (I like pilates). Unlike you, I do enjoy playing basketball with him and going for a swim and bike ride, but sometimes I want to do things one-on-one inside of the house.

Some things I have done are as simple as having him (and only him...little sister to get a turn next time) help me cook (and start using the sharp knives and more advanced cooking steps [around heat]). I only do this when I'm relaxed and there's no time pressure for dinner. Then I am in the right frame of mind to look him in the eyes and talk to him on a more mature level explaining all the pertinent things of each step...and then let him do it (with me right there). He feels so important, because it's my time to show him that I know that he is growing up, has been more responsible, and is ready to learn more advanced things.

Hey, Ms. Art Teacher...how about heading to Michaels and doing some cool just you and him craft that's a little more involved than the "little kid" arts/crafts you have done with the kids in the past...now that he's so much older and more responsible?

Also, my kids just got this silly little game called "Dirty Laundry", and I initially thought it was going to be some cheesy game with lots of instructions. It ended up being SO much fun! My husband and kids (daughter is 6 1/2) had more fun laughing together playing this several times. You just roll the dice and pick a card and read the appropriate question about the person who rolled, and everyone has a dry-erase board and pen and writes the things it asks about the person. The answers that match earn you "socks" that you make matches of to win. Tammi, it seems so basic, but it's really a fun game and you really learn so much about each other and everyone has such a good time playing it!

One more: We just got a hand-me-down Wii. Although I grew up in the Pac-Man era, I am sooooo not a video game person...at all!!! However, that said. The few times I have played games like bowling or tennis with my son, we have had a BLAST playing it! You have to actually get up and move as if you are really playing these games (initially feel like an idiot in your living room, but go with it, it is actually quite a fun thing to do together!)

I hope some of this helps, my friend!

D.

I'm sure he likes video games, you can both go the arcade. I know you don't like being outdoors but maybe you should try it by going to a fun place that is outside like putt putt golf.

Hey Tammi,

What do you think about bowling? It's relativly inexpensive...and kind of a fun "guy" thing...and usually the A/C is full blast! You can even have a snack!

If you are more adventerous...take him to the Florida Mall to a place called Adrenalina. (check it out on YouTube.com) He can learn to surf IN the store! My kids loved it. It's not that expensive, either.

If you want to spend a little $$ then consider Disneyquest. They have all sorts of fun interactive games and are in the heart of downtown Disney. Then maybe lunch at Rainforest Cafe...what kid doesn't love that?

Or...if you ride bikes...go to one of the trails for the day. Pack a picnic lunch...

Go to the beach and rent a kayak - New Smyrna has a place called JB's fish camp...I've heard that you can rent a 2 seater and almost ALWAYS see manatee and/or dolphin.

There's also a great display at the Orlando Science center. Lot's of great stuff for "guys".

Hope this helps!

Sincerely!
B.

I am a single mom of four and I make it a point to have one-on-one time with each of my children every month.

Something my 8 year old really enjoys is going to the Orlando Science Center. We have the annual family pass (under $100 for the whole year - up to 6 people on the pass - includes free parking too) and we usually go to the Member Only screenings of the huge Imax movies there. Then we wander around the Science Center itself for a few hours to check the new stuff out. Once you pay the membership, it is "free" for you to go whenever you want to - with or without everyone else (it includes the Imax movies too!). NOTE: if you eat at the cafe, they give a discount and the chicken strip basket with fries is enough to share! (costs maybe $5 total)Also, the membership is "recriprocal" which means the Orlando Science Center pass will get you into lots of other places for cheap or even FREE! They give you a list of locations for this in your membership packet.
Another idea is the Downtown Orlando Library. They have lots of free goings on as well as great kids programs (arts and crafts, themed programs, etc) These are free and you can usually find a "calendar" type guide book each month at any of the Library locations. It also lists the events at EVERY library in orange county (maybe the one close to where you live has some neat stuff going on).

Downtown Disney is cool (and for the most part, free * no charge to park, either). They have Legoland there with the HUGE lego dinos, etc. and lots of hands on legos to play with right there! Also, you can check out Once Upon a Toy while you are there as they have lots of hands on stuff too (like a build your own Mr Potato head with very cool parts!). Then you could catch a snack at the McDonalds there (next to Legoland). Oh yeah, and you can ride the ferry boat back and forth across the water for free too! It loads near Cirque de Soleil. Be sure to check out the "volcano" across the water at Rainforest cafe! And don't miss the lego dragon in the water on your way across ! Very COOL!
Hope this helps!

What about that Pump it Up place. You would have to call and get the schedule but it is a bunch of huge bounce houses and I know they have family jump time on certain days. It is a lot of fun even for adults!!! Or a Jacksonville Suns game? (you'll have to suck up the heat, this is Florida and your child is more important!) You guys could go do that and have a mommy / son dinner or something after :) Good luck!

Sound like you have all the tools you need as an experienced art teacher.........construction get some real tools and build things!! Another idea, redecorate his room together, or just paint the walls together...p.s be flexible and give up perfection, just go for the bond experience.
Cooking together. And do I dare say, learn a video game together, have a movie night, just you and him.

First remember this is about him. Encourage your son to explore the sports and activities that interest him. If he enjoys football, you are going to have to get over "not really liking the outdoors". My 16, 10 & 9 year old play soccer, football, cheer leading, basketball and year round volleyball. The only indoor sport is basketball and volleyball. Unfortunately football is 5 days a week in the heat and games on Saturday.
Don"t miss out because you prefer the AC.

Encouragement: You can do this. If he is an outdoor type kid and you just can't bear, it look for a cool science project that has to do with insects like an ant farm. An inexpensive or used telescope to look at stars, constellations or planets. If you have access to the internet research something fun with him
about the project you are going to work on together.

Maybe you can plan a camp out together. Invite a friend or two. The two of you can plan everything. Put up the tent(a pup tent is cheap). Get the flashlites, sleeping bags. Make really cool invitations. You don't actually have to sleep outside with him, just plan the whole thing with him. You sound really creative so be careful to listen to his ideas. You can make Dirt cups (pudding with crushed oreos on top and gummy worms...not healthy but fun!) This will work with any theme type party.
A splash party. Water guns, water balloons (BOMBS),Sprinkler, slip and slide. PLAN IT TOGETHER!

Last but not least, you can have a day out. Go to the movies. See something he wants to see. You can stop at the store and buy your snacks to keep the price down. You won't regret taking this "special time' with him. In a few years, other girls will be pulling at his heart strings.

Good Luck

A little about me: I am 46. My husband and I own a business. I work full time. Have 3 great kids, 16, 10 and 9. Spend my spare time doing homework, running to and from sports, cooking and trying to keep up with housework and laundry. I have found it is far more important to pray and play together than worry about the small stuff. Have faith.

I JUST READ HOW "IT WOULDN'T BE FAIR TO MY 8 YEAR OLD"....DON'T FALL FOR THAT!!! WHATEVER YOU DO, YOU CAN DO WITH HER TOO. IF HE HAS A CAMP OUT, SHE CAN HAVE A DAY AS THE PRINCESS OF THE HOUSE. BE CREATIVE. YOU CAN MAKE TIME FOR BOTH OF THEM. READING IS AN AWESOME PASSION TO GIVE YOUR CHILDREN BUT DO NOT MAKE THIS YOUR ONLY SPECIAL TIME WITH YOUR SON. YOU WILL MISS THE BOAT!