The teenage years are perhaps the most difficult years for parents and kids. As with any relationship, your relationship with your kids goes through different cycles and stages. While you were their "hero" in the toddler years, by the teen years you may become just an "advisor to the board" -- someone you hope they will consult on crucial decisions!
Add teenage behavior problems to the parenting mix and things can be downright
tough. How you, as a parent, handle these potentially tumultuous years is
important for your own well-being and your child's.
One of the most effective preventative methods is to give your teen choices. I
discuss this on page 127 of my book When You're About To Go Off The Deep End,
Don't Take Your Kids With You. Teach your teenagers responsibility by giving
them choices such as the following:
- "What day are you going to do the grocery shopping this week?"
- "I've written a check out for this season's clothing allowance. Would you like
to shop alone or would you like me to come along?"
- "You have $250 for activities this semester. Which will you choose?"
When teens are offered choices on a regular basis, they become better equipped
to deal with the more difficult choices that life will inevitably throw their
way, such as:
- To decide whether or not to take drugs.
- To stand up for themselves.
- To walk away from violence.
- To choose friends who support them.
- To end unhealthy friendships.
- To pick high school courses they will enjoy.
- To decide if and when to have sexual intercourse.
Since teenage behavior problems don't just crop up over night, it's important to
start practicing your "preventative medicine" early on. Give your children
choices--no matter how young they are. Toddlers can decide what color pants they
want to wear, and school-aged children can determine whether to do their
homework before or after snack time.
It's never too early to start giving your children choices. Such choices teach
them responsibility and prepare them for the "bigger" decisions that lie ahead.