| Parenting teenagers can be challenging at times. The | | | | Be firm and stick to your word. |
| teenage years can be a time when teens feel they | | | | Every now and then your teenager may have an |
| are grown. They think they've learned everything they | | | | unreasonable request. In certain circumstances you will |
| need to know. They often feel their parents are | | | | have to say no. When saying no is in your child's best |
| outdated and don't know what they're going through. | | | | interest be firm and stick to your word. Your teenager |
| They rebel against rules and limitations. Teenagers | | | | may be angry or upset at first but he'll get over it. |
| want to take charge of their lives but they're not quite | | | | Give your teenager responsibility. |
| ready for to handle the responsibility. Being a teenager | | | | You can't expect your teenager to be responsible if |
| is a difficult time period for young people. They are | | | | you never allow him to have any responsibility. |
| gradually making the transition from childhood to | | | | Give advice rather than orders. |
| adulthood but are not quite there yet. There is an inner | | | | Your teenager will be much more likely to listen to you |
| struggle between child and adult going on inside of | | | | if you advise him rather than just bark orders at him. |
| them. The teenage years are a difficult time for teens | | | | Take the time to listen to yourself when talking to your |
| as well as their parents. But there are ways to ease | | | | teen. How do you really sound? |
| the transitional period for both parents and their | | | | Be supportive. |
| teenage children. | | | | Support your teen in his endeavors but allow him to |
| Keep the lines of communication open. | | | | learn from the consequences of his own actions. If you |
| Be honest with your teen. Share your feelings and | | | | pick up the pieces every time he acts irresponsibly |
| concerns. Perhaps your teenager will do the same. | | | | your teenager will become dependent rather than |
| Even if your teen doesn't open up to you right away, | | | | independent. Encourage your teenager to overcome |
| that's okay. Most teenagers find it difficult to talk to | | | | obstacles and set goals for himself. Set a good |
| their parents. The important thing is that you let your | | | | example for him. |
| teen know you are always available if he wants to | | | | Be patient and positive. |
| talk. | | | | Be patient with your teenager. Remind yourself that he |
| Set limitations but let your teen have his say too. | | | | is going through a difficult time too. Learn to control |
| Include your teen in discussions and decisions that | | | | your anger. If you are angry over something your teen |
| involve him. For example, you don't want your 16 year | | | | has said or done take time to calm down first and |
| old son out until 2 in the morning so you set a time for | | | | then discuss the offense with your teen later. Keep a |
| him to be home that is agreeable to both you and him. | | | | positive attitude. If you have a negative attitude it will |
| If you work together to set house rules your teen will | | | | eventually rub off on your teen too. Negativity |
| be more likely to obey them and there will be less | | | | accomplishes nothing but a positive attitude can make |
| disagreements. The key is to compromise and your | | | | a world of difference. |
| teenager needs to understand that as well. | | | | |