| If you are parenting a teenager, it can get easy to get | | | | to listen...really listen to her. |
| lost in the drama. For teenagers the world is a new, | | | | She probably won't admit it, of course. But take a look |
| exciting, scary, wild, pleasurable and disturbing | | | | at the clues. Your teenager is drawn, like a magnet, to |
| place...often all at the same time. | | | | those people who are hearing her. Paying attention to |
| This fact can make parenting a teenager a wild ride, at | | | | the questions going through her head. Listening to the |
| best. Especially if you are parenting your first teenager. | | | | angst in her heart. Accepting her for who she is. (If you |
| Let's face it. As a parent, you are experiencing many | | | | would like more parenting teenager strategies, please |
| of the same feelings as your teen. Uncertainty and | | | | see the resource box following this article.) |
| confusion mingled with periods of intense joy can | | | | Whether you have a son or a daughter, as their mom |
| leave you dazed, breathless and wondering if you are | | | | or dad, you can be the one who gets the rewards for |
| actually parenting at all. Maybe you've even wondered | | | | all that listening. |
| if all the effort you are exerting is worth it. | | | | What are the rewards? This is where it gets good. |
| Mom or Dad, let me offer you some encouragement | | | | Regularly and intensely listening to your teen means |
| today when it comes to parenting your teenager. I am | | | | you are building a rock-solid relationship with them. If |
| currently parenting my third teen and have learned that | | | | they feel genuinely accepted and cared for by you, |
| while every teen and every family is different, there | | | | they will grow to respect and trust you. Guess what? |
| are a handful of concepts a parent can focus on | | | | Your teen LISTENS to who he respects and trusts. |
| which will have the biggest impact in their teen's young | | | | Wouldn't you like that to be you? |
| life. | | | | You can solve a lot of parenting challenges using |
| But if you can only master one new idea right now, | | | | patient, consistent listening over time. Don't just tell your |
| then here's the one to start with. This one action can | | | | teenager you care...prove it to him by dropping what |
| literally change you and your teen's world. | | | | you're doing, looking him in the eye, and hearing every |
| Drum roll, please. | | | | word he tells you next time he flies by...even if his |
| The vital parenting action is...listening. | | | | conversation is about the latest happening on |
| That's right. Simple, cost-free listening. | | | | MySpace. |
| Before you click away, allow me to make my case, | | | | After you listen, you can ask questions about issues |
| Mom or Dad. | | | | that concern you. Find out what your teen really thinks. |
| I've been parenting for over two decades. I've seen a | | | | What values he's considering adopting. You don't need |
| lot of hype and fads come and go. I'm sure you would | | | | to interrogate him. Just listen. Ask. Then gently guide. |
| agree that what stands the test of time deserves our | | | | As you win a place in his heart, you will also win the |
| attention. Building relationships is what remains constant. | | | | top spot of influence in his young life. |
| And the number one thing you can focus on to | | | | So remember...if you're wondering what the hottest |
| improve any relationship is listening. | | | | strategies for parenting your teenager are...the real |
| I can guarantee you, your teenager is craving for you | | | | secret to parenting a teenager is to simply listen. |