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St. Andrew Church

 

10 Tips on Teens
  1. BE ACCESIBLE. Teens often blurt out things or want to talk at strange or inconvenient times. Be ready to listen anytime, anywhere.
  2. BE WILLING TO JUST PLAIN LISTEN to their ideas without making judgments.
  3. GIVE THEM RESPONSIBILITIES. Giving privileges conveys a sense of trust. And with every privilege comes responsibility.
  4. RESPONSIBILITY IS LEARNED NOT TAUGHT. Allowing teens to make decisions now will better prepare them for facing the bigger decisions when they are on their own.
  5. BE SUPPORTIVE RATHER THAN LECTURING. Support teens in accepting the consequences of each choice they make. Helping them to think critically about their choices and resulting consequences builds a more positive relationship whereas lectures foster resentment.
  6. BE STRAIGHTFORWARD. Give straightforward information and feedback on important issues such as drinking, drugs and relationships but don’t keep repeating it. Teens need to hear you and they do even if they pretend indifference.
  7. SET UP AND USE FAMILY MEETINGS as opportunities to discuss issues. Get input from each person on expectations regarding Internet and phone use, curfew, chores, etc.
  8. GIVE LOTS OF PRAISE AND POSITIVE FEEDBACK. Teens need to hear the "good" stuff just like the rest of us. This lets them know that you love and accept them for who they are and what they can do.
  9. MAKE THEM EARN WHAT THEY WANT. There is a difference between needs and wants. Making teens work for things that they want can instill this lesson.
  10. TAKE TIME TO RELAX AND HAVE FUN! Model positive ways to manage stress and enjoy life. And most importantly, enjoy teens for the individuals they are.