Purim is a time of joy, celebration, and tradition. As a mother of twin teenage boys, I see this holiday as more than just a festive occasion—it’s an opportunity to connect with my teens in a meaningful way. With the fast pace of life, school pressures, and growing independence, finding ways to strengthen our relationship is always on my mind.
This year, we are planning Purim with intention, making it a time for bonding, laughter, and valuable life lessons. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Purim with your teen, here’s how you can make it meaningful for your family.
The Power of Storytelling: Finding Meaning in the Purim Story
Purim is centered around the story of Esther, a tale of bravery, identity, and standing up for what’s right. As parents, we often teach our children values through stories, and Purim gives us the perfect opportunity to do that.
This year, I plan to sit down with my boys and revisit the story with a fresh perspective.
We’ll discuss it together, asking questions like:
What would you do if you were in Esther’s place?
How does this story relate to challenges teens face today?
What does it mean to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard?
By allowing our teens to share their thoughts, we engage them in deeper discussions that go beyond tradition. Finding meaningful ways to celebrate Purim with your teen can make the holiday more engaging and special for both of you. Finding ways to celebrate Purim with your teen through meaningful conversations can make the holiday even more special. It becomes personal, relevant, and an opportunity for us as parents to learn from them as well.
Celebrating Together: Creating Traditions That Strengthen Connection
One of the biggest struggles of parenting teens is finding activities that interest them. Instead of forcing participation, we look for ways to involve them in the traditions in a way that feels fun and meaningful. Navigating the ups and downs of the teenage years can be challenging, especially when it comes to keeping family traditions alive.
If you’re looking for practical ways to stay connected with your teen beyond the holiday, check out my article on Navigating a Teen Roller Coaster: Practical Tips for Parents.
So, let’s explore how to celebrate Purim with your teen, here’s how we’re planning to celebrate together:
Baking Hamantaschen as a Team: Rather than making it a chore, I let my teens take charge of choosing the fillings. Chocolate, Nutella, or even wild combinations—they get to be creative. The time spent in the kitchen allows for natural conversation and laughter.
Dressing Up with a Twist: Teens may not be as excited about costumes as they were when they were younger, but finding a family theme or letting them choose their own “cool” costume can make it fun. We’re planning a coordinated theme this year—maybe superheroes or something humorous.
Giving Mishloach Manot with a Personal Touch: Instead of generic treat bags, we’re making our own this year, incorporating messages of encouragement and kindness. I’ll let my boys write their own notes, choosing who they want to give them to, making it a more personal and thoughtful experience.
DIY Costumes and Crafts: If your teen enjoys creativity, encourage them to design their own costume or make accessories to personalize their look. We’re considering a simple DIY mask-making session using craft supplies we already have at home
Need some inspiration? Check out these great DIY costume ideas:
A Special Purim Recipe: Homemade Hamantaschen
Food is a central part of Purim, and baking together can be a fun way to bond with your teen.
One of our favorite Purim traditions is baking hamantaschen together, and this easy recipe makes the process even more enjoyable:
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup butter (room temperature)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp milk (or non-dairy alternative)
Filling of your choice (chocolate, jam, or poppy seed)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add butter and mix until crumbly.
Stir in egg, vanilla, and milk to form a dough.
Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut out circles.
Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle.
Fold edges to create a triangle and pinch corners to seal.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Let cool and enjoy!
Want more delicious Purim Cards recipes? Check out my printable recipe cards
Teaching Values Through Purim: Courage, Kindness, and Identity
Purim isn’t just about fun—it’s a holiday rich in values that resonate deeply with parenting. Some of the key themes we’ll be discussing this year include:
Courage: Esther had to step up and make difficult choices. This is a great chance to talk about times my teens have had to be brave—whether it’s speaking up in class, trying something new, or handling a difficult situation.
Kindness and Giving: Matanot la’evyonim (giving to those in need) is one of Purim’s most important traditions. I want my boys to understand that giving isn’t just about money—it’s about time, effort, and care. We’re planning to donate food together or find a way to volunteer as a family.
Embracing Identity: One of the unique aspects of Purim is the idea of hidden identity—Esther concealed her heritage until it was time to reveal it. This can be a great way to talk to our teens about embracing who they are, dealing with peer pressure, and being true to themselves.
Want more ways to strengthen your bond with your teen beyond Purim? Check out my blog, looping parents on more parenting insights
Final Thoughts: Making Purim a Time for Connection
As parents of teens, we know how quickly time passes. Each holiday is another chance to build bonds, share traditions, and instill values that will stay with them long after they’ve grown. Finding ways to celebrate Purim with your teen can turn this holiday into an opportunity for fun, learning, and connection.
This Purim, instead of focusing on perfection, I’m focusing on connection. Through storytelling, shared activities, and meaningful discussions, I hope to make this holiday one my teens will remember—not just for the fun, but for the moments of togetherness.
If you’re looking for ways to connect with your teen this Purim, start with small steps.
Find what excites them, involve them in the process, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. The greatest gift of this holiday isn’t in the treats or costumes—it’s in the love, laughter, and memories we create with our children.
Get Organized for Purim! Looking for ways to plan your Purim activities, create DIY costume ideas, or track your holiday to-dos? Check out my printable planners and resources to make your holiday stress-free and enjoyable!