Essential Practices for Preparing Your Chidren for Adolescence
1. Talk with your teen about the normal generational conflicts!
2. Expect and give the same kind of respect during the teen years.
3. Consider “alternative adult” presenting hard messages during the teen years.
4. Practice and present the gains of responsible behavior.
5. Include Feelings when setting limits.
6. Disclose your personal struggles as a teen or share your insights about decisions teens face.
7. Clarify the differences between activity driven and purpose driven lifestyles.
8. Assist your teen in identifying models and mentors for their teen years.
9. Involve your teen in making more choices, and help them see choices are theirs to make and live with!
10. Express genuine compassion and empathy to your teens.