Hi, its great to see you here again!

We took a look at 4 things you can do that will empower you to win your teenagers and influence them in the previous post. The teenage years can be fun, or they can be a time of frenzy. It really depends how you approach them. It will certainly be time of many changes. The way you relate to your son or daughter who is now becoming an adult will change.

Here are four tips that will help you avoid the frenzy and enjoy the fun.

1. Do trust your young adults.
I had to laugh at the comment I received on this one. “Do trust your teenager, but don’t forget he/she is still just 16 years old”.

Although it came across as a little funny, this comment carries excellent wisdom. In other words do not let them have the upper hand.

2. Do restrain
Here is where you as a parent are also following a learning curve. The trick is to allow freedom, yet with some restraint.

One definite time to restrain would be when there is potential harm, or life changing consequences of a decision your teen is about to make.

And do check up on them.

I asked my young friend’s opinion on parents calling a friend’s home to make sure their teenagers really did go to visit “Johnny”. The answer actually surprised me. It was a definite “YES”, parents should definitely check up on their teens.

3. Do involve.
Your teen may be a little more independent than they were a few years ago, but he/she is still a part of your family. As a young adult, they should now be even more able to participate in family discussions, and even contribute to the solving of some family problems.

Note: I did NOT say, “contribute to the solving of any marital problems” Children should NEVER be dragged into marital disputes.

Above all:

4. Do continue to believe the best of your teen.
Love believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love never fails. This comes from the famous chapter in the Bible that best describes what love is, 1 Corinthians 13.

Your teenager WILL respond to your guidance much better if he/she senses that you DO believe in him/her. This is vital and will greatly contribute to your enjoying a successful relationship with your teen.

May All Your Relationships be Successful!

I know you have a lot to share – please let us hear from you below. Thanks!