Why does my teenager seem to hate spending time with family?

It can be heartbreaking when your once-affectionate child suddenly seems to want nothing to do with family time, but this is actually a normal and healthy part of adolescent development. Teenagers are biologically and psychologically driven to separate from their families and establish their own identities. This doesn't mean they don't love you - it means they're doing the important work of figuring out who they are outside of the family unit. Their peer Interpersonal relationship become increasingly important during this time, and they may feel embarrassed by family activities that they used to enjoy. They're also dealing with intense emotions, academic pressure, and social Psychological stress that can make them want to retreat to their rooms rather than engage with family. While you can't force them to enjoy family time, you can find ways to maintain connection. Show interest in their world - ask about their music, games, or hobbies without being intrusive. Offer to do activities they actually enjoy rather than insisting on traditional family activities. Sometimes one-on-one time feels less overwhelming than group family activities. Respect their need for space while still maintaining some non-negotiable family expectations, like family dinners or helping with household responsibilities. Remember that this phase is temporary - many teens who pull away during Adolescence reconnect with their families in young Adult.