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Partners in Parenting a Teen

Submitted by admin on Wed, 08/13/2008 - 14:55
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DEVELOP A PLAN of action (attack!). Build a team with Youth Court, the school counselor, the school principal, and your personal counselor, if you have one. Make sure each one understands the importance of his role in working with your child. Encourage them to communicate and collaborate fully with each other. Communicate with them in person and in writing, so they have a record. Work closely with your spouse,
 
ex-spouse, or significant other to present a unified front and provide a consistent and firm but loving and nurturing environment in your home.

This is where consistency comes in: Once you have established guidelines and consequences, stick to them. Do not change the limits or ease up on the consequences when your child presents an excuse. Teens can be very creative and manipulative. It may take a while for your child to learn that limits exist and he will be held 100% accountable for staying within them, but eventually he will accept that responsibility and learn to enjoy himself within established limits, just like adults do. As your child matures and accepts responsibility for themself, limits can be renegotiated.

ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMMUNITY.

  • Sign him up for membership at the YMCA or at an athletic/health club.
  • Encourage him to register for an adult education class.
  • Take an adult education class with your teen.
  • Ask a friend whom your child is fond of to spend some time with your child.
  • Perhaps your teen would like to co-coach a kids sports team, or co-lead a scout troop.
  • Encourage your teen to do some volunteer work. (Some volunteer opportunities are available at: Food Banks, Hospitals, Community Medical Centers, Public Libraries, Extended Family Services, the Humane Society, United Way, American Red Cross, Nursing Homes (ask the activities director), some veterinarians, Theater groups, City Parks and Recreation, Little League (grounds maintenance, assistant coach), Animal Control, YMCA, YWCA.
  • Check with your local librarian, ask what Youth Programs are available in your city.

KNOW YOUR TEEN'S FRIENDS AND THEIR PARENTS.

  • Introduce yourself.
  • Call the parents of your teen's friends and arrange to meet them.
  • Go to the door when you drop your child off at her friend's house.
  • Have your child's friends stay for dinner.