You may have heard the term “bedroom parent” or “living room parent,” which refers to having a household where families either hang out in their separate rooms or their living room, together, but now the term has evolved to include a cool “basement parent.”
When I hear the term “basement parent,” I immediately picture the dusty, unfinished basements of my Midwestern youth, but apparently, the phrase is actually a positive one in today’s parenting world.
The dusty basement may be debatable, but the word on the street is that all parents should aspire to be a cool basement parent.
And if you’re feeling a little lost, don’t worry — we’re here to help you get there. Or down there, I guess we should say?
What Is a 'Cool Basement Parent?'
Put simply, a cool basement parent is simply a parent who has a welcoming and inviting space for kids and teens to gather.
The term originates from the fact that a basement is a traditional place for teens to hang out (think That ’70s Show), but a cool basement parent can have a “cool” space anywhere, from their living room to a garage to the backyard to the basement.
Being a cool basement parent, explains PopSugar, is less about the actual space and more about creating a safe and welcoming environment. Or, as the kids might say, it’s all about the vibes.
As the parent of teens, I can say that it is indeed my ultimate goal to be a basement parent in any way, shape, or form. It is always a great feeling when kids can gather at my home because I know they are safe.
That being said, being a cool basement parent doesn’t come naturally to us all, so here are some suggestions for products to add to your home to help you on your road to becoming a cool basement parent.
Winmau Diamond Plus Professional Bristle Dartboard
$55
from
We’re going back to the basics. The dartboard is a staple in the bar scene for a reason, and you want to keep the kids out of the bar, of course, so just go ahead and bring that dartboard home instead.
EastPoint Deluxe Steel Frame Axe Throw Target Game Set
As a non-dart option, my kids absolutely have a blast with this set. It is so strangely addicting, and even my husband couldn’t stop playing it. It’s great for all ages, so it could be a good investment that will grow from young kids to teenagers.
This option from Amazon is highly rated, can be used indoors or outdoors, and comes with its own transportable storage case.
RelxtTimen 4-6 Person Inflatable Outdoor Spa Hot Tub
Buying a hot tub is obviously not for everyone, but I will admit that I shamelessly use our hot tub as a draw for my kids’ friends to hang out here. A wise parent once told me the best way to get kids to connect is to get a hot tub, because it’s a natural phone-free environment. Genius.
If you don’t want to go the full install route, this option is inflatable, portable, and can be put up and down as needed.
Bicycle Playing Cards, Standard Index, 1 Deck
You don’t have to re-invent the wheel to become a cool basement parent. Keep a simple stack of cards on hand and be willing to teach the youngsters some vintage games or jump in on a hand. Euchre, anyone?
Telestrations 6-Player Board Game
Basically, any type of board game is a must to create a fun environment for kids to hang out in. Telestrations, which is a mix of Pictionary and the game “Telephone,” is always a hit at our house!
Dry Erase Whiteboard with Pen Tray
This one might sound strange, but I stumbled on it by accident — we had an old whiteboard in our basement and I’ve been downright shocked at how much use it gets when all my kids’ friends are over.
They think it’s absolutely hilarious to write messages to each other on there, and although I’ve cleaned out large parts of our basement, I’ve kept the whiteboard intact for no other reason than to see the funny things they come up with.
Nintendo Wii Bundle with Wii Sports & Wii Sports Resort
We are not a family with a fancy collection of the latest and greatest video game systems. But when it comes to curating the ideal hangout space for kids, the fancy way isn’t always the best.
Instead, consider buying a used or renewed “old-school” video game system, especially one that can get the kids up and moving, like many of the Wii sports games. Dance-Dance Revolution, anyone?
Best Choice Products 2x4ft 10-in-1 Combo Game Table Set
I feel like the basement ping-pong or pool table is a bit of a quintessential statement piece for a teen hangout spot. But if you’re short on space (or funds), you can pick up a more affordable and space-friendly option like this 10-in-1 convertible table.
It converts into slide hockey, foosball, billiards, shuffleboard, table tennis, chess, cards, checkers, bowling, and backgammon playing surfaces.
Hampton 3-in-1 Combination Table Includes Billiards, Table Tennis, & Dining Table
If you have a larger budget or are just in the running to become the ultimate basement parent, you may want to consider a convertible game table. The table looks and functions like a normal dining room table, but can convert into a billiards or table tennis top too.
I came across one of these tables at an Airbnb I rented with my kids over spring break, and I can report that it was so cool. It worked like a charm, stored accessories and conversion pieces easily in the benches, and held up beautifully through my five kids. I could definitely see how it would come in handy in creating a great hangout space for kids and teens.
Gourmia Air Fryer Oven Digital Display 7 Quart
While I would not label myself a basement parent, I do regularly feed large swaths of children and teens. (Just fed 10 on Friday, in fact.) And aside from always relying on pasta or rice for the gluten-free crowd, my only other piece of advice would be to invest in an air fryer that you have no fear letting teens use.
The air fryer is the ultimate hack for letting them make quick snacks like pizza roll-ups and mozzarella sticks, to getting a dinner on the table quickly, to whipping up fun desserts (marshmallows + chocolate chips = graham crackers = instant s’mores dip!).
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
