"Return"
driving them around
playing games, family meals
teens who talk with you
So many people don't seem to realize that it is pretty simple, make the effort and you will see the return. Maybe not every day, but they will be more open and realize you are there, even when you don't want to hear it but need to hear it. You as the adult hold the power to set the limits and set the expectations and limits, to be accountable to that they know they can come to you. A little bit of follow through goes a long way with teenagers. Yes, they can be egocentric and short sighted, but be their coach vs. their ruler or friend and they will amaze you with what they can do. Learn to offer things so that they make the decision with some coaching, but lay it out as "if/then"- they haven't learned to weigh positive and negative consequences to the degree they think they have. Learn to meet them where they are- they aren't the same child they were five years ago, a year ago, possibly even last month. Invest in them all along and you will get a positive return.
No comments:
Post a Comment