I hope today’s guest post is helpful for those of you with teens. My oldest is already a tween so the teen years are very, very close! Ack!
6 Items Worth Investing In for Your Teen
For parents of teens, it can feel like you are constantly shelling out money for various wants and needs. After a while it can start to feel like you’re nothing more than a cash machine, dolling out money every day. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with putting your foot down, and really as a parent that’s a necessary thing to do, there are some things that can really be worth investing in. But how can you tell if the item is a want versus a need?
Here we’ll take a look at six items that could be well worth you investing in for your teen.
A Laptop or Chromebook
There’s no denying that we live in a digital age. With that said, it’s perfectly normal for your teen to rely on the same digital devices you do. Many of today’s schools are even requiring teens to show up to class with their own laptop or Chromebook. So this brings us to the first item worth investing in – a laptop or Chromebook.
Each of these devices allows for flexibility since they can be taken anywhere. This means they can use them in class, to and from school on the bus, and at home to do their homework assignments.
In terms of what the best devices are, typically you want to be picky when it comes to screen size, the weight of the device, the memory, and the battery, which should be as long-lasting as possible.
Encourage Reading with an E-Reader
It’s always great to encourage good habits for teens, and reading certainly fits into that category. Rather than traditional paper books, you can invest in an e-reader for them. Again, it’s about giving them convenience, and an e-reader is something they can throw in their bag and take on the go with them.
There are a number of different types/styles available with various features. You can find everything from a basic e-reader device to ones that are filled with features and can even double as a tablet or a secondary monitor. One thing to be aware of when shopping for these devices is the screen size. Look for one that will provide a comfortable reading experience, ideally one that allows them to adjust the font size, which is quite common.
Invisible Braces
Investing in your child’s teeth is always a good investment and the teenage years are the perfect time to think about teeth alignment. Where it used to be that traditional metal braces were the only option, today teens can have invisible braces that are convenient to wear and completely discreet. These are meant for kids ages 14 and over, and can be a very real and effective solution for any misalignment they may have.
You can try this site, which is Alignerco, known for its selection of clear braces/invisible aligners. Invisible aligners can help with crowded teeth, gapped teeth, crossbite, and overbite. Opting for invisible liners is incredibly cost-effective when compared to the standard metal braces. Alignerco features installment plans, which are perfect for parents looking for an affordable solution.
A Musical Instrument
Music is another fabulous hobby to encourage in your teen, and if they show any interest in it you’ll want to jump on it. This could include something like a drum set, a guitar, a wind instrument, a keyboard, or any other type of instrument. Depending on where their interest lies this, can obviously get pretty expensive, which is why it needs to be seen as an investment.
Driving Lessons
Of course, this is something that will have to wait until they are the appropriate age, but driving lessons are an excellent way to prepare them. A professional driving school will go over all the rules and regulations, plus work to build up their confidence.
The last thing you want to do is teach them any bad habits you yourself may have. At least by investing in professional lessons you have the peace of mind knowing they are learning all the right habits and rules.
Their First Car
This one can be a bit controversial. There are certainly plenty of parents who feel this should be the responsibility of the teen to save enough money for their first car, whereas other parents want to gift it to them. If you’re on the fence, you could always take the middle-of-the-road approach and tell them you will match dollar for dollar whatever they save. This provides your teen with a goal to work towards, teaches them responsibility, and you’re still able to contribute to the purchase.
Many Things to Look Into
As this list shows, there are plenty of different items worth considering when it comes to purchases for your teens. It’s all about weighing your options, taking their own personality and needs into consideration, and of course, setting a budget that makes you feel comfortable.
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