Homeschool Facts

Alas, today’s teenagers are regularly thought of as being anti-social, selfish, impudent misfits that would benefit from a good dose of corporal punishment! Unfortunately, this “understanding” of teenagers is far from the truth in most cases. Mutual respect goes a long way when talking to teenagers these days. Speak with them on their level, about sensitive issues or family feud questions that need to be spoken about and you’ll see how your son or daughter depends on you, as head of the household, for guidance, and to ensure domestic tranquility. It’s never too early to begin opening the doors of communication about sensitive topics. Regrettably, it can be too late.

You just might discover that your teen does want you to establish boundaries within the family. They may be rebellious for a short time, but they’re really just putting you to the test to see how committed you really are about the boundaries you’ve set to ensure domestic tranquility.

Our children need to know, and they deserve to know where their parents stand on matters such as sex, drugs, alcohol, dating, and other topics. At the same time, they also need to know that you care about their concerns and thoughts. You ought to talk about matters with your teenagers, not just give them a list of rules they must follow to the letter, because we say so! Kids of all ages need some freedom to explore and grow, and all the while parents need to make sure that their teenage children can approach them to discuss anything whatsoever. If you cannot do that, there are enough outside influences just waiting to take your place.

* Explain to your teenagers what you expect from them both at home and in public.

* Respect them as the independent, young adults that they are and they will be a lot more respectful of you.

* Be attentive and supportive when they do approach you with problems or concerns.

Inevitably, your teen will have queries about matters that concern them. Never make your teen feel like their concerns are childish and don’t ever bypass these issues. You need to be forthright and be 100% honest with them, expressing your fears and your experience with the matters at hand.

No one knows your kids like you do, so why not practice with your “other-half” asking questions you might expect from him or her? Then come up with answers that will address the questions concerned. This is a fantastic way to deal with teenagers problems. But, take heed! Never do this if there is the slightest chance of your child witnessing you do so. Because they will immediately get the wrong end of the stick, and assume you are mocking them, which isn’t the case and it can cause terrible and long lasting damage!

Now and again teens will ask questions at the most inappropriate time, much like a toddler will. Try not to be caught off guard too much. Be forthright with them rather than pushing the question to the side. Take the matter up at the time, rather than being forced to contradict any information they get from their friends, at a later date, or anyone else who are more than happy to talk with them about it.

Let your child know if you don’t feel comfortable discussing a topic, but that your relationship is more important than a little bit of discomfort. They may be uncomfortable bringing the subject up as well. You don’t have to go into every detail of your own teenage years, but using scenarios and lessons you learned should confirm that you wasn’t born in a cave!

At some time or another, most teenagers give the impression that they have the answer to everything, and the simple truth is - they don’t. Like everyone that has walked before them, they too need to learn as they grow into adulthood. Your duty as a parent doesn’t cease when your child crosses the threshold into adulthood, instead you just graduated to a new level of relationship. Take every chance to talk with your teen about sensitive issues, puberty, boundaries in relationships, family feud questions and establish boundaries. Do it now while they are still under your roof, and before it’s too late to influence them.

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