Talking with your Teen
TALKING WITH YOUR TEENS
The teenage years are challenging for you and your teen. It is a complicated time of crossing from childhood to adulthood. It is a scary time for you both. Do not try to be a super parent. Do remember, however, that you are the parent. Here are some things to think about...
YOU MUST TALK TO YOUR TEENS!
YOU ARE THE PARENT AND NOT THE FRIEND.
KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILD IS GOING AND WITH WHOM.
KNOW HOW YOUR CHILD IS BEING TRANSPORTED TO AND FROM.
TALK TO YOUR TEEN ABOUT EMERGENCY BEHAVIORS AND CONTACTS.
PART OF YOUR JOB AS A PARENT IS TO SHARE YOUR MORAL AND ETHICAL VIEWS.
PART OF YOUR JOB AS A PARENT IS TO SHARE YOUR SPIRITUAL VIEWS.
IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU TEACH YOUR CHILD THAT VIOLENCE IS NEVER AN ACCEPTABLE OPTION.
IT IS CRITICAL TO MODEL A RESPECT FOR THE PROPERTY OF SELF AND OTHERS.
PART OF YOUR JOB AS A PARENT TO SHARE THE IMPORTANCE OF RESPECTING SELF AND OTHERS REGARDLESS OF RACE, CULTURE, CLASS, LANGUAGE, RELIGION, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, MARITAL STATUS, PROFESSION, EDUCATIONAL STATUS, ETC., ETC.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE RATINGS ON MEDIA AND GAME PRODUCTS.
SETTING LIMITS IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO YOUR TEEN AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD.
ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAIN REASONABLE STRUCTURE IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO YOUR TEEN AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD.
THINK ABOUT THE SKILLS YOU BELIEVE YOUR TEEN WILL NEED TO BE A HAPPY AND PRODUCTIVE HUMAN BEING - BE SURE TO MODEL AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN THESE SKILLS.
LOVE YOUR TEEN.
LOVE YOURSELF.