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Teens, Teens, Teens: What is a Parent to Do?
It happens about once per week. I find myself driving past the local high school on my way to wherever it is I happen to be going. As I slowly pass the school (going no more than 20 MPH, of course) I can’t help but reflect on how much different things appear to be now compared to when I was in high school.
Back when I was in high school... |
| We didn't have cell phones or the internet. We used pay phones and the library. |
| We didn't dye our hair black and (apparently) avoid sunlight. We wore silly surfer shorts and took pride in our healthy tans. |
| We didn’t worry about school shootings or propositions from promiscuous teachers. Those things were unheard of. |
| We weren’t concerned with terrorism or war. Those were just things that happened in the Middle East. |
| On-line predators were basically non-existent because, well, so was the internet. |
| Musicians used to sing about having fun and being in love. Today the airwaves are full of references to crime and the mistreatment of women. |
| Drugs and pornography were only available to teens that sought them out. Today, those things are so readily available that children don't need to seek them out. |
| It used to be shocking if someone brought a gun to school. Today it is the norm in many schools. |
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Yup, times have really changed. Teens have a lot to deal with these days -- as if there isn’t already enough going on in their lives.
Parents need to be "on top of it" if they expect to raise happy, healthy, and well-adjusted teens.
Here are a few things that parents can do:
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| 1. | Keep the lines of communication open. Talk often. |
| 2. | Raise a child that feels valued, respected, and loved. |
| 3. | Pay attention to what is going on in your child’s life. |
| 4. | Recognize the warning signs for drug/alcohol use, depression, and future violence. Take action, if necessary, rather than slipping into denial. |
| 5. | Encourage participation in extra-curricular activities. |
| 6. | Set reasonable limits and boundaries then enforce them in a fair manner. |
| 7. | SPEND TIME WITH YOUR TEEN. |
| 8. | Seek professional help for your teen if you think it is necessary. |
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| Following these guidelines won't necessarily guarantee a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted teen, but you can bet it's a good start. |
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