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Ten Strategies for Parenting Teens, #1
Strategy #1 Bring your presence. I think this is my best advice regarding teens. Be around, as much as possible. We eat dinner together on the nights it is possible and try to wait up for our teens to arrive home at night (I’ll be honest, it’s usually my husband. I don’t do well staying up late anymore!) We show up like clockwork at our teens’ events and school functions, even if they act like they don’t want us there. When we’re home, I try to be in the common areas, where the teens hang out, although sometimes I’d rather just hide out in my room! Even if they’re doing…
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How to Give Our Kids Real Encouragement
Five Messages to Keep on Repeat How can we encourage our kids today? What messages do they need to hear? In an age when anxiety among children and teens is on the rise, when social media often determines, or at least, influences one’s value, does the voice of a parent even carry weight? I say yes, by choosing an intentional message, and putting it on repeat. One sentence at a time, consistently and frequently. Here’s why I think our words carry more weight, even though our message is but one in the sea of messages flowing to our kids rapid-fire, night and day. As parents, we see our child more…
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Sibling Love and Rivalry
It’s National Siblings Day! A few thoughts, written for my kids, I want to share with you today. I know growing up with four kids in the family is not easy. I hope you see it as a blessing. I believe each one of you kids is a gift to our family, and I cannot imagine life without any one of you. You each bring your own unique view on life, your own whimsy, your own fire and your own sweetness and love. I treasure you. One of the things I hope you have learned in our home is kindness toward others. I’ve wanted to model that, and I’ve required…
