40 Ways to Show Your Teen You Care

40 Ways to Show Teens You Care

1. Communicate openly and frankly with them
2. Cherish their input
3. Give them your full attention when they do open up, maintaining eye contact
4. Be interested in what interests them
5. Remember that each child is unique
6. Do your best to attend their sports games and special events
7. Find ways to make them feel special
8. Realize that life is not simple for teens
9. Be as transparent as possible; you can be honest about your own needs
10. Understand that they will swing between dependence and independence
11. False starts, mistakes, poor judgment, or impulsive action are part of growing up
12. Be aware of your own growth; as you grow, you will be more able to understand your teen’s growth
13. Let them naturally gravitate more toward their friends than to you
14. Make time for them
15. Cherish the time they do spend with you and tell them so
16. Be humble enough to admit when you have overreacted or made a mistake
17. Teens have their own mind, so their difficult behavior is not always a reflection of you
18. Teens need a significant degree of autonomy and need your support with their choices
19. Suggest better behavior when they do act out
20. Welcome their suggestions
21. Patience is a virtue, tolerance is not
22. When you believe in them they will flourish
23. Give them their private time when they need it
24. Unconditional love is essential
25. Praise produces more than criticism
26. Accept their feelings
27. Expect their best; expecting perfection can lead to lifelong problems
28. Let them communicate their needs and try to meet them
29. Be consistent with discipline; they want boundaries, but will not admit it
30. Compliment with honesty
31. Model the importance of values
32. Open your home to their friends
33. Get to know the crowd they are running with
34. You can help them set realistic goals and expectations
35. Keep the promises you make
36. It is important to let them know when you are overwhelmed and that it is not their fault
37. A child that feels loved, expresses love
38. Still accept them when they are acting out
39. You are your child’s role model
40. Affirm them as often as possible

Remember, it is a natural progression of life for teenagers to want to develop their independence, to not want rules, and not listen to your sage advice. They want to make their own mistakes … this is how they learn. If they do not seek their independence, they may live with you the rest of their lives. Not a pleasant or healthy thought! If you are concerned about this … place a sign on their bedroom door: “Checkout is 18!”

Remember, life begins when the dog dies and the kids move out of the home!

Happy Parenting