Many scrapbookers are introduced to the hobby when they have a child. Scrapbooks, after all, are a similar concept to “baby books”…places to document the milestones and events in a new baby’s life. The topics seem endless when you have a little one! Each day is filled with new developments, and new discoveries. And then, even though we know it’s going to happen, we aren’t ready for it…our babies grow up. Suddenly, it feels a bit harder to come up with layout ideas.

As the parent of a teenager and a pre-teen, I often struggle to think of suitable topics for scrapbook layouts. There are days when titles such as “Grounded” seem to be the only fresh material. On those days, I remind myself that scrapbooking can be just as much about *who* my children are as it is about *what* they are doing. Read on for some ideas for scrapbooking the teen years…

Find the “firsts.” Teens & pre-teens still have plenty of “firsts.” First day of middle school or high school, first dance, first day of driving…be sure to document the milestones that prove that your kids are growing up. In this layout, I documented my daughter’s first day of high school. Here’s an easy tip…if your child will be embarrassed by you taking photos on the “real” first day of school, just work around it! This photo was taken on a weekend, when we knew that the school would be abandoned. The journaling talks about my hopes & wishes for her as she begins this new chapter in her life.

Scrap their style. Don’t you love to look back at the fashions & styles from when you were younger? Be sure to capture your teen’s “look” right now. Get your camera out when they’re in their everyday clothes, not just on dress up occasions. It’s a great way to document the brands and styles that are all the rage. In this layout, I just wanted to capture a fun photo of my daughter in her everyday style…low-rise jeans and A&F tshirts. It may seem insignificant today, but years from now, it will be a quick snapshot in time.

Capture the fun. Sporting events, parties, or just hanging with their buddies…teens are all about having fun! Reach for bright papers and bold accents to capture the mood of these events. This layout highlights a very important teen moment…a Sweet Sixteen party! The bright colors are the perfect accent to the photo of my daughter.

Encourage independence.  That’s right…hand over your supplies. Who better to tell your teen’s story than your teen! If your teen is hesitant to dive into scrapbooking, at least hand over the journaling. Let them tell their story in their own words. This layout was created by my own daughter for a high school project…a heritage scrapbook.

Remember, scrapbooking doesn’t have to be difficult with older kids. Take lots of photos, and tell those growing-years stories….scrapbooking the teen years can be so much fun!