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....

It’s hard to know when to let go and let your kids, especially your teens, make mistakes or even fail. But, sometimes, letting your kids make mistakes is the best way to help them learn. Here’s a simple list to help you to determine when it may be okay to let your kids make mistakes. First, let them fail a test. Sometimes all it takes one bad grade and one consequence to wake them up to the importance of studying....

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...

It’s all too easy for parenting to feel like a project, rather than a relationship. So how can you recapture the joy of motherhood? Here are 3 simple ways. First, stop comparing your child to other children. Instead, learn to appreciate them as a unique creation with their own strengths. Second, give yourself permission to be imperfect. Get rid of the impossible expectations you’ve set and find comfort in simply...

Society has standards for what fatherhood should look like. But each father has unique strengths that make for unique parenting. So here are 3 ways dads can color outside the lines. First, consider whose lines you’re trying to color in. Ask yourself, “Am I making decisions to impress others? Or am I making decisions that are best for my family?” Second, determine what success looks like for your family. Make a...