RAISING RESPONSIBLE TEENAGERS
What does it mean?
- To lead one’s self-control – charge – supervise.
- The ability to act independently and to be accountable – capable of being trusted.
- Self-governing – choose between right & wrong. Make decisions without external prodding.
- Leadership
Personal responsibility cannot be delegated.
RESPONSIBLE TEENS
- How vs. What to think.
Don’t provide all the answers to their problems. Encourage them to think up options and solutions. Read.
Taking part in decision-making. Encourage them to help out in the home.
If everything your child know is what was taught, then they’re not growing. Encourage curiosity. Questioning. Reading. - Help them with creating schedules and sticking to it.
Time management is a huge part of personal responsibility. No African time. Wake-up, sleep, reading, exercise, church, etc.
Let them create what works instead of forcing down your options on them (homework, food) - Allow them to make mistakes (acknowledge/learn) (perfection)
Use mistakes as teachable moments. Don’t blame. Ask questions and help them to self-correct. Reflection.
Don’t try to micromanage your teens’ life, or they’ll lack opportunities to learn vital lessons. - Allow them sort out their arguments. Siblings will disagree from time to time as they come into their unique identities.
You will soon be accused of favoritism. - Avoid helicopter parenting.
- Set boundaries and deliver consequences.
Actions have consequences. If your teen keeps getting away with bad behavior, they fail to learn this lesson. No bailouts. Forgotten books/homework, laundry. - Maturing vs. Mature
You will grant more freedom as they become better at making decisions. - GO beyond academics. A lot of parents assume that because a child is making straight A’s they’re good.
Most As struggle with other areas of life, like building relationships, navigating the real world. - Waiting. Teach them to wait in line and to take turns. This is an important skill to raise adults who don’t take pleasure in cutting corners.
The world does not revolve around them. No tantrum. - Teach financial skills – savings, giving, investments, planning… hand-in-hand with work ethic…
The value of work/creating value in exchange for money.
Teach about debt… borrower is slave.
Stop financing frivolities… fashion (basics vs. bling) - Teach them how to build relationships. Evil communication corrupts good manners. If your kid starts hanging out with irresponsible people, it’s only a matter of time.
Good girl, bad boyfriend and vice versa.
