If you ask a 14-year-old who they would turn to for advice, they typically say their parents AND their friends. The good news is they still look for guidelines, customs and rites of passage to develop and celebrate their moral fiber and newfound independence. It can come from family events, school, camps, heritage or religion.
Try to find ways to celebrate their individual accomplishments with a special dinner inviting over some of their friends, or by attending awards dinners and banquets. ...
Now for the more challenging part: 14-year-olds are easily embarrassed by adults -- especially their parents. They roll their eyes, toss their hair, make disapproving faces and criticize their parents for wearing uncool clothes, driving an old car or saying the wrong thing. Challenging your authority is now an automatic reaction. ...
Try to let them present a well-thought-out plan for themselves, then give them enough latitude to accomplish some of those goals their way.
Labels: parenting tips
Posted By: Aspen/CRC