What to do with a 12 year old

[jarheadv12]

Hey im 16 and i have a family friend that is 12. his mom asked me to hangout with him because he doesn't get out of the house much because the mom is single and works all of the time. i have no problem with this at all but i just don't know what to do. i don't know what a 12 year old thinks is fun or what he likes to do. any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated

[Art_dude]

I've been in awkward situations like this before. Try learning some of his interests before hand so you can brainstorm ideas the two of you can do together. Or if all fails just ask him directly. You'd be surprised that most kids are open if they feel comfortable with someone. Be relaxed, and respect him as if he were your own age - kids respond really well to those who recognize their ideas as valuable and when adults don't patronize them.
In the end, he'll probably appreciate just hanging out with you.

[The Madness.]

Who knows, this 12 year old could be into the things you are. Just ask them, and maybe just let the day go by and try to just do random things and see what he enjoys. He's probably not that different after a while. :)

[BOBBY HILL]

duck duck goose

patty cake

pin the tail on the donkey

tag

arts and crafts

[Brighter.Tomorrow]

Who knows, this 12 year old could be into the things you are. Just ask them, and maybe just let the day go by and try to just do random things and see what he enjoys. He's probably not that different after a while. :)

Very true.

If you don't ask, you'll never learn. You may end up surprised that he'll like somethings the same as you.

[trackstar9.875]

At 12 he may be more precocious than you think. He'll probably be a little shy speaking to a 16 y/o that's not his Brother. It'll be a little awkward, so just ask him if ...like...he wants to ask you any questions about stuff he's afraid to ask at home. That could be a real ice breaker, and then just go from there, Respect the fact he's younger, and just play the Big Brother part, and I'm thinking you'll be fine.

[Kahn]

This wonderful thing called video games brings people together. Trust me, if he's a boy he'll like video games. We all do. I'm sure you do. Bring over a game system, or if he already has one bring it over. If you have some games bring them over to his house and see if he'd want to play them with you. That's what I do with my little brothers. Halo :P

If (For some reason) he doesn't like video games, take the advice the people above had given you and learn some of his interests. He may like some of the stuff you like, or he may just want to sit around and talk. Just create a bond with him. It'd probably make him a lot happier than being in the house alone.

[mmmark1985]

do they like ps3 or 360? what bout sports and stuff? reading? u can go to a library or bookstore.