Saturday, July 3, 2010

Talking with Teens

A father has some jobs for his daughter to do around the house. She has slept in some after a late night out with her friends. He has choices on how to approach the situation. Should he:
a. Knock on her door and tell her to get up because it is 9:00 and there are jobs to be done.
b. Knock on her door and ask her if she would be willing to help out around the house.
c. Tell her it is time to get up and that you have jobs for her to do.
d. Knock on her door, enter, sit on her bed and ask about her eveing the night before, how things went, what her plans were for the day and then online those things he needs her help with.

With teenagers it is still the same old principle you should have learned when your children were little. Meeting their needs makes them more willing to meet yours. Take interest in their activities and outline what you need and they will usually be willing to do what is needed. Demand obedience and they will likely pull away and be defiant. They are nearing adulthood and just as you would like to be asked, they too would like to be treated with respect as well as direction.

1 comment:

  1. Hey Duane, I love all of this insight. I have a question about 2-3 year olds and sharing, specifically when parents are around. I always insist my 2 year old share but the other parent wants their kid to share too. Should I team up with the other parent and just choose who gets to go first? Should I just worry about my kid? Thanks again,

    Kim

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