There are a lot of difficult topics that parents and teens have to navigate through together. Talking about alcohol, drugs, pornography, premarital sex, and many other issues can be very uncomfortable for you and your teen. So, what should a parent do? First, share with them right up front that you realize this is difficult to talk about but it’s too important to ignore. Second, let them know that you love them no...
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Sure, you can respond with a “yes, you can go” or “no, you can’t go.” But there’s a better way. That better way is to ask them good questions that may lead them to their own answer. You can ask them information questions like, “Where are you going?” and “Will their parents be there?” You can ask what if questions, “If someone brings alcohol or drugs, what are you going to do?” Finally, you can ask them consequence...
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The question is not whether your teen will make a bone-headed or maybe even rebellious decision. The question is how you, the parent, will react. Here are some ways that will guarantee your teen learns absolutely nothing from a bad decision. First, protect them from all painful, uncomfortable, expensive or embarrassing consequences. This will ensure that they will do it again. They’ll think they can do pretty much...
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As parents we must understand why our teen is rebelling if we want to figure out what to do in response. Here are 5 reasons why your teen is rebelling and 5 solutions for you. First, your teenager may be rebelling because they’re struggling for identity. They’re trying to answer the question “Who am I?” As a parent, you must communicate to your teen that their identity is found in who they are, not in what they...
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Over the years, my wife, Susan has taught me how to maintain a great relationship with each of our children. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned. First, don’t take it personally. When my daughters became teens, I didn’t understand…“Why doesn’t she want to hold my hand?” “Why would she rather go to the mall than go bike riding with me?” Susan told me, “Don’t take it personally, and don’t try to force anything…give...
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Giving teens room to grow while guarding them is a balancing act. But there are some things you simply must know about your teen’s friends. First, get to know them. Learn more about their friends by having them over to your house. You'll learn a lot through casual conversation. Second, get to know their parents. Introduce yourself to them and try to discern whether they have the same parenting mind-set. Third,...
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Over the last few years, I’ve watched all 5 of my kids grow up and head out into the world. Though I can’t be with them as they journey into life after high school, I worked hard to prepare them. Be sure to share these life skills for teens with them if they’re about to leave the nest. First, make sure they know some basic cooking skills. They’ll be much better off knowing how to prepare a few simple, healthy...
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