When they can demonstrate maturity. Your teen may look like an adult physically, but emotionally still be childlike. You can’t stand Tommy up against a doorjamb and mark his emotional growth like you measured his height. Instead, you have to look for other marks to see growing maturity. Leadership expert Dr. Tim Elmore has compiled a list of 7 Marks of Maturity. First, a mature person demonstrates the ability to...

Sometimes kids think they are entitled to many things. Here are some ways to teach your kids the truth about working hard and avoiding a sense of entitlement. First, your child may believe I deserve a good grade. Teach them that grades aren’t given, they’re earned. So study hard. Second, your child may believe I deserve to make the team. Teach them how to practice hard, be determined, and play with integrity....

Author Andy Stanley says, “Every parent should teach their child to ask themselves this question: In light of my past experiences, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for me to do?” So let’s break it down. First, past experiences. Have your child look back on their past mistakes and successes and determine what worked and what didn’t. Second, current circumstances. Help...

I think we can all agree that communicating with teen girls can be a challenge. So as a parent, how can you do it well? Here are 3 simple way to communicate effectively with your teenage daughter. First, don’t project your dreams onto her. It’s crucial to guide your daughter down the right path, without forcing her to lose sight of her own dreams and goals. Second, be honest about your mistakes. Share the ways...

We’ve all done things for our kids because we love them. But what are some things we should not do because we love them. First, stop trying to be the “cool mom” or “cool dad.” Our kids don’t need us to be their pals; they need us to be their parents. Second, stop allowing them to have or do things that are not age appropriate. They are constantly pressured to grow up…fast. Let’s not accelerate their loss of...

Your tongue is a wild animal that can do a ton of damage as your own scars can prove. We should never underestimate the pain that some angry or careless words can cause so here are some things that you should never say to your kids. First, never say, “Why can’t you be more like…?” Comparisons are toxic and they serve no positive purpose. Second, never say, “I don’t have time right now.” What we’re really saying...

Most kids still desire to get married someday. And you can guide them by discussing it long before the big day happens. Here are some questions every parent should discuss with their kids about marriage and their future spouse. First, ask them why they want to get married. The reasons your child wants to marry are important. Second, ask them to describe the person they want to marry, including what kind of...