Studies, such as one conducted by University College London and the University of Warwick that looked at a survey of 10,000 Americans, have found that happy teens reported higher incomes by the time they reached age 29.
In fact, very happy teens earned 30% more than their less happy peers, even considering other variables such as IQ and levels of education.
All the research indicates interaction is what makes teens happy.
Community and connection to peers is what they need, not a trip to the mall where your bank account is sure to be emptied.
As a mother of a twelve-year-old, I was concerned.
You see, my daughter and her friends don't connect.
For example, my daughter recently had some friends over and they spent the whole time on their phones instead of talking to each other.
It was strange to watch.
I asked my daughter if it was normal to "not talk" while hanging out with friends.
She shrugged her shoulders and said, "What else would we do?" Seriously?Technology is killing our kid's ability to interact.
I had to do something.
In typical type A form, I created a list of fun activities for my daughter and her friends.
(My daughter was not happy with me.
)

1. Make food.
   (Chocolate chip cookies would work.
   )
2. Paint your nails.
   Who couldn't use a fresh coat of nail polish on their toes or finger nails?
3. Compete using dance video games.
   Compete to see who is the best dancer.
   It couldn't hurt, as I have seen some of these girls dance.
   It's also good exercise.
   
4. Play sports.
   Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, etc...
   You don't have to be a professional to throw a ball around in the backyard.
   
5. Take a walk to the park.
   
6. Play a board game.
   There are a ton of fun games on the market, not to mention inter-active board games on all the video systems.
   
7. Put outfits together using a friend's closet, jewelry, purses, and shoes.
   (Just not mine.
   )
8. Put the outfits on and take pictures.
   Not only will you have fun but you will have proof you had fun.
   
9. Listen to music and search iTunes for new songs.
   
10. Make jewelry.
    Michaels has a ton of inexpensive kits.
    

Granted, this list is not a magic cure all with the ability to fix your teens ability to make real connections to others, but it is a start.
Help your teen to build deeper friendships and they will be happier adults.
Now where is that nail polish????