1) Do acknowledge them
          Hello. 
          Talk to them when they come in. Show some interest. Get to know them. 

2) Do show respect
          Grow up.
          Kids want to be treated like an adult, this is one area in which that works.

3) Do provide food
          Yum.
          Food always works. Feed them. Even let them have access to the kitchen.

4) Do be some fun
          Duh.
          Do something unexpected from the normal routine. Be a little playful.

5) Do avoid confrontations
          Yield.
          This isn't the time to correct your kid. Do that later, where you can discuss.

6) Do remember them
          Notice.
          Names, siblings, & unique things about them. Also, how your kid knows them.

7) Do make it peaceful
          Zen.
          An environment that's void of contention makes a place people want to be.

8) Do leave a little space
          Exit.
          Give them some room. Not the bedroom. But, some talking space to be private.

9) Do like them
          Enjoy. 
          Everyone has annoyances. Overlook them. See what your kid sees. Be open.

10) Do keep long hours
          Nap.
          It doesn't have to be 'open all night' but kids like late nights. Especially weekends.

Bonus: Do treat them like family
          Include.
          Everyone wants to belong. Somewhere. Make it you and yours that they think of as 'family' when they need to connect. How you interaction with your kid's friends, and your kid, will benefit everyone.

What do you do?

1. Don't try to be cool.
           Awkward.
           And painful. It never works when a parent tries to be cool.

2. Don't compete.
           Loser.
           You lose when you make it about competing with your kid. Join a ball team. 
3. Don't make fun. 
           Ever.
           Never use your kid (or their friends) as the punch line for a joke. Laugh at      
           something else.
4. Don't always jump in.            
            Know-it-all.
            Let them figure a few things out. You don't always have to share the answers.
5. Don't look for friends. 
            Creepy.
            Don't make your kids friends your friends. On FB or at home. Find your own.
6. Don't be pushy.            
            Bully.
            It doesn't have to be my way or the high way. Let some things ride.
7. Don't be fake.            
            Phony.            
            Embrace & express who you are & be authentic. No need to use a bull horn.
8. Don't take over the conversation.
            Windbag.
            Be a small part of the conversation, don't be the conversation. Sometimes, 
            don't even talk.
9. Don't be sensual.
            Ewe.
            Do I even need to say anything? Sadly, yes. Turn your sexual brain off. Period.
10. Don't try to outshine.
            Diva.
            The spotlight shouldn't be on you or how you feel. Your kid is the star.
       Bonus: Don't embarrass.
            Jerk. 
            This isn't about you. Then, again, it's all about you. Kids don't want to be embarrassed at all costs. You have the power to make sure that doesn't happen to them, or their friends. Make them comfortable, and keep them coming around. You won't end up being the jerk parent, or any of the above kind either.

At church we have a program for young women (12-18 years) to develop character. They have various activities they can perform. One of the experiences they get to have is a chance to "strengthen your relationship with a family member by showing love through your actions". To help the girls I made up this Hugs & Kisses Kit.

I did this around Father's Day so the girls could have a chance to focus on their relationship with their Dad if they wanted to. Since it's close to Father's Day I thought I'd share it with you. 

This activity lasts two weeks so I gave simple suggestions of what they can do to interact each day. Some of the activities are 
     Day #7 Make a treat for this person, 
     Day #11 Text a nice comment to this person, 
     Day #2 Find out their favorites, 
     Day #8 Talk about your favorite things to do in Summer.

I designed these into 1/4 sheet handouts. They can put it on a ring to help them remember. I call it The Ring Thing™. I've made several for different topics to go on the Ring Thing which I'll share periodically. Here's a photo of my Ring Thing. 

Here's a PDF to download if you'd like to use it for some activity you have. It's a black and white PDF that you can print onto colored paper. Then you can cut it into 1/4 sheets.