Tips and Articles for Parents Building the Foundation for a Healthy Teen & Parent Relationship
Building a good foundation increases the potential for a good relationship. Do's And Don'ts For Parents With Teenagers If only it was this simple. Here are some effective tips for dealing with your teenage DO . . . - Acknowledge appropriate or desirable behavior with praise or rewards.
- Model the type of behavior you want from your teenager. If you want honest expressions of feelings, you must do the same.
- Be consistent with rule setting.
- Acknowledge your mistakes. Your teen needs to know that you recognize that you make mistakes and are willing to take responsibility or them.
- Regularly ask your teenager how her day was and how she is feeling. It will open up communication and let her know that you are available to listen when she is having a problem, or when things are going great!
- Use “active listening” with your teenager. Pay careful attention to the emotion behind the message and try to determine what your teenager said by rephrasing it into your own words.
- Give undivided attention when your teenager wants you.
- Compliment your child when he makes an effort to look nice and take pride in his appearance.
DON’T . . . - Criticize every little thing your teenager does “wrong.” Remember that everyone makes mistakes and that your child does “good” things sometimes, too.
- Say one thing and do another (i.e., you are not teaching honesty, when you say “If that’s ______ at the door/on the phone, say I’m not home.”)
- Change your mind several times about rules. If you are inconsistent, your teenager will learn how to easily manipulate you.
- Ignore or deny your mistakes. Your teenager will recognize this behavior and may model himself after it. Also, it encourages lack of responsibility.
Ignore your teenager’s moods. Although teenagers are moody by nature, ignoring any behavior associated with moodiness, withdrawing, or major changes in behavior may be ignoring a significant problem in the life of your teenager.
What To Do If Your Child Runs Away From Home
What should I do if my child runs away from home? More Runaway Prevention Tips For Parents
The more tips the better when it comes to parenting. Setting Goals & Expectations
Give kids a map and maybe, just maybe they'll find their way. What To Do When Your Child Returns Home
What should I do when my child comes back? Supporting Parents: Normal Adolescent Rebellion or Something More Serious
Normal adolescent rebellion or something more serious? Basic Parenting Tips
Good parenting is a combination of role modeling, teaching and friendship. Do as I say AND as I do
Nothing erodes the delicate parent/teen relationship faster than for a child to hear one thing and see another. Tips for Parents: Have Fun!
Learning life's lessons doesn't always have to be serious. Lighten up and have some fun. Parenting Step-Families
Step-parenting adds another dimension, particularly when your blended family includes biological and step-children. Play Who, What, Where, When, and How with Your Kids
Knowing where your kids are and what they're doing doesn't make you a nag; it makes you a caring parent. Parents Matter: Tips for Raising Teenagers
Parents of teenagers may have the toughest job around. Set guidelines for good behavior
Setting rules and guidelines for the children in your care helps them learn safe, healthy and socially acceptable behavior. Parent/Teen Talk
Navigating through life isn't easy, but with parents acting as guideposts the trip is a little easier. Signs My Teen Might Be Thinking About Running Away From Home
Find out what you should be looking for. Family Fun: Getting to Know You
Your parents ask you questions all the time. Now turn it around and ask them. Guidelines for Parents with Kids in Cyberspace
Know what your kids are doing on line. Talk, be open, educate yourself, and check it out. UCAN Discussion Guide Print out this guide and this grade sheet and encourage your youth to fill them out and discuss their responses with you. You can foster a dialogue between teens and adults about issues that are of importance to both groups. We have included a blank grade sheet for use with your children, students and youth organizations. Adults are also welcome to grade themselves.
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