Sure, you can respond with a “yes, you can go” or “no, you can’t go.” But there’s a better way. That better way is to ask them good questions that may lead them to their own answer. You can ask them information questions like, “Where are you going?” and “Will their parents be there?” You can ask what if questions, “If someone brings alcohol or drugs, what are you going to do?” Finally, you can ask them consequence...

The question is not whether your teen will make a bone-headed or maybe even rebellious decision. The question is how you, the parent, will react. Here are some ways that will guarantee your teen learns absolutely nothing from a bad decision. First, protect them from all painful, uncomfortable, expensive or embarrassing consequences. This will ensure that they will do it again. They’ll think they can do pretty much...

As parents we must understand why our teen is rebelling if we want to figure out what to do in response.  Here are 5 reasons why your teen is rebelling and 5 solutions for you.  First, your teenager may be rebelling because they’re struggling for identity. They’re trying to answer the question “Who am I?”  As a parent, you must communicate to your teen that their identity is found in who they are, not in what they...

Over the years, my wife, Susan has taught me how to maintain a great relationship with each of our children. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned. First, don’t take it personally.  When my daughters became teens, I didn’t understand…“Why doesn’t she want to hold my hand?” “Why would she rather go to the mall than go bike riding with me?” Susan told me, “Don’t take it personally, and don’t try to force anything…give...

My friend’s 15-year-old just got her restricted driver’s license.  You know what that means.  Old dad had to white knuckle it from the passenger’s side.   Talk about nerve-wracking!  But believe it or not, he said the worst part wasn’t the close calls with curbs,  cars and trees… it was realizing that his little girl was growing up… and that he needed to start letting go.   Allowing our children to begin taking...

Divorce is never easy on anyone, but teens often channel their emotions into destructive behaviors. A recent survey from Pediatrics journal shows that teens of divorcing families are twice as likely to use drugs or alcohol. They are also more likely to act out through physical fighting, property damage, and stealing. Others may experience depression and anxiety. But the good news is that parental support can help...

We’ve all seen it in the movies…the sweet, innocent daughter falls for the greasy-haired, rebel boy that the parents can’t stand.  Maybe that’s extreme, but it’s still very common for parents to find their older teens and adult children pursuing relationships they don’t approve of.  So here are 4 ways to direct your child with wisdom.  First, begin with love.  Start the conversation with love by sharing how you...