Teenagers
Age 16-18 years
Here’s where you get fired as the boss. If you've done a good enough job you get rehired as a trusted friend and advisor. If you continue to do a good job, your teen may well even take your advice.
It's appropriate for your teen to want to make her own decisions now, and to think for herself. And yet teens are still developing, and have widely varying levels of maturity. It can be a scary time for parents, especially those who don't yet trust their teen's judgment.
The most effective parenting strategy with teens is to focus on the relationship. Punishments just drive your teen away and make it less likely that you'll have the information about what's going on in his life that you need to be a good parent. The only leverage you really have with your teen is love.
It's appropriate for teens to be oriented more to their peers than their parents now, but kids who are well grounded in their families will respond well to parents' efforts to stay connected. And parents who have bonded adequately with their children at each earlier stage will feel invested enough in their teens to stay connected, even if a lot of effort is required.
Start Here:
Game Plan for Peaceful Parenting Your Teen
A teen who's responsible, considerate, and shows good judgment, at least most of the time? Yes, it is possible! Here's your game plan, with 12 essential tips.
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Staying Connected to Your Teen
Your teen's fierce need for independence doesn't mean he can't (or shouldn't) stay connected to you.
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30 Ways To Stay Connected With Your Teen
Finding common ground with your teen builds trust, understanding, appreciation and affection. Here are 30 ideas for staying connected with your teen.
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Nine Discussions To Have with Your Teen Before College
Help them prepare mentally and emotionally, for the life changes and rites of passage ahead.
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Letting Go When Your Teen Heads for College
We're supposed to raise our kids to move into the future without us, in gladness. The truth is, letting go of our kids is really hard.
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Makchoon
I have seen amazing improvement in my *very* angry 17 year-old son after acknowledging that there was a reason he was so angry and acting out. We have had several heartfelt conversations and I have seen a real change in how he treats his younger brother, and how he treats me.
I know that I am a better parent thanks to Dr. Laura's inspirational words and suggestions.
My daughter reacts so much better when I empathize and stay patient. And now I get to model that behavior instead of letting my frustration get the better of me.
"Another brilliant article, pulling compelling information together in a readable way. Thank you so much for the work you do. You help me as a parent of teenagers, and I pass your articles on to clients." - Nancy Eisenberg
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Jennifer
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Dana Questad
