'The 4 ways I get my tweens to spend time with me (that are actually genius).'

Thanks to our brand partner, Let's Sing 2025

Tweens are a tough crowd.

One minute, they're sticking their phone in your face to share a hilarious meme (that makes zero sense) and the next they're avoiding you like you've suggested a family meeting.

As a mum of four (17, 15, 13 and 11), I've learnt that asking them to hang out is worse than asking them to unpack the dishwasher.

"Want to walk the dogs with me?" Cue the eye roll. "Can you help make dinner?" Suddenly, they have SO much homework. "Can we play a board game?" "Nah, I'm busy."

But here's the thing — I like spending time with my kids. Not in a "let's sit down and have a deep and meaningful" kind of way, but because they're funny, quick-witted and way more interesting than they let on.

So, instead of forcing them to hang out with me, I've figured out the trick: I find activities that don't feel forced, boring or educational.

Here's what actually works.

Competitive games.

My tween loves gaming with his mates, so as every parenting guru suggests, I figured the best way to "get into their world" would be through the Xbox.

When I pulled out Let's Sing 2025, within minutes, the tween (and even the teens) were all in.

Before I knew it, my kids and I were battling for the highest score based on pitch and rhythm, belting out hits. My son and I even attempted a duet, which ended with us laughing so hard we couldn't finish.

Image: Supplied.

The song selection is impressive, with hits from artists like Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber, alongside classics that even the grandparents will enjoy.

The one-month VIP Pass unlocks over 150 songs, so there's no risk of them getting bored (the tween default setting).

You can play solo, duet or head-to-head, which is our family's favourite way to play. The game turns up to four phones into a microphone (or you can purchase it with two mics included for those who really want to get into character).

Conveniently, it's also available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series XS, so no one misses out. And for a tween who loves music, competition and the chance to take me down in a singing battle, this was an instant win.

DIY projects.

You know those Insta posts of parents painting with their kids? Yeah. That's not of my house.

But I love colour and I love change, so every now and then, I pull out the box of half-used paint tins, scroll Pinterest for inspo and attack the walls with the kids.

Let's just say it doesn't always go to plan. We lose interest. It turns out worse than expected. It looks nothing like the Pinterest inspo.

And that's exactly why painting is genius (and in my opinion, totally underrated). You can paint over it and start again.

Some projects take an hour; others stretch over weeks. But in between, we talk, laugh and somehow, the walls in my house always end up bright and full of personality.

And honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way.

A sport tweens can't resist.

Pickleball might sound like a sport for retirees, but don't be fooled — it's high-energy, competitive and addictive. Think tennis, but easier, with less running and more opportunities to smash the ball at your family members.

For my birthday, I dragged the kids to the courts, knowing their competitive spirit would be alive and well. My eldest discovered he could hit the ball so hard I had to dive for cover. My tween? He was too busy laughing at me even to hold his paddle.

After an hour of non-stop rallies, dodgy serves and suspect line calls, they were asking when we'd play again.

Image: Supplied.

A tween bake-off.

If you've ever tried to get tweens to help in the kitchen, you'll know it's about as easy as asking them to write a 3000 word essay for fun.

Unless you make it a competition.

One rainy Sunday, I declared a caramel slice-off. Mum versus Tween. We each picked a recipe, and the rest of the family did a blind taste test to decide the winner.

The prize? Bragging rights.

The penalty? The loser cleans up.

The kitchen looked like a tornado of sugar, chocolate and condensed milk had blown through it, but we laughed a lot. I have no idea who won, but I suspect I had to tidy up.

The best bit? My tween now offers to bake for the family's lunchboxes.

The secret?

Tweens don't want to sit down and chat. They don't want to be dragged into something boring.

But if you meet them halfway, belting out a song or smashing them at pickleball, they will surprise you.

They'll show up.

They'll laugh.

They'll let you in.

Those moments. They make the tween mood swings, slammed doors and eye rolls absolutely worth it.

Now it's your turn: What's worked for you when it comes to spending time with tweens? Tell me in the comments!

Purchase Let's Sing 2025 from major retailers including Amazon, Big W, EB Games, JB HiFi or The Gamesmen.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Let's Sing 2025 brings the ultimate karaoke experience straight to your living room! Sing along with your family and friends to the latest hits, as well as a generous selection of all-time classics. Let's Sing 2025 is available now on Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.