How to Make a Teen Hangout in Your Basement
- 1). Arrange furniture in the basement in a semicircle around an entertainment center. A couch and a few beanbags make comfy sitting for gaming and chatting. An end table or two creates a spot to put their drinks and books.
- 2). Set up an entertainment center with a television, video game system and DVD player. If you can't find the remote controls, pick up a universal one. It usually can be programmed easily.
- 3). Set up a card table and chairs in another area of the room. If you don't want to keep the space occupied by the table, prop it up, unfolded, against the wall so your teen can set it up when he needs it. It can be used for card games and group studying.
- 4). Add a mini fridge to your teen's hangout room. Keep it stocked with soda, juice, bottled water and healthy snacks such as string cheese, applesauce and fruit. Take requests from your teenager and her friends, and add their favorites to your shopping list.
- 5). Use lamps to light an area that lacks windows and natural sunlight. Floor lamps work well. Add one near the main seating area and one near the card table. Smaller table lamps allow your child to customize and adjust the lighting to his needs.
- 6). Keep trashcans handy in the hangout. Your teenager might not use them, or use them well, but having them there gives the hint that trash needs to be thrown away in its proper space.
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