Understanding Parental Influence on Your Teens Behavior
Three ways to develop a strong bond with your teen
- Establish open, honest communication.
- Show respect for your teen's point of view.
- Show your teen how important they are to you and that you love them unconditionally.
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Help your teen avoid risky behaviors by boosting their self-esteem
- Tell your teen that you appreciate their hard work and their accomplishments.
- Avoid hurtful criticism, and don't allow siblings to tease each other hurtfully.
- Help them see the positive in themselves.
Tips to becoming more involved in your teen's life
- Spend one-on-one time with your teen.
- When they need to talk to you, give them your undivided attention.
Want your teen to make the right choices? Give them guidance!
- Set clear, realistic expectations for your teen's behavior and encourage her to try to live up to your expectations, family values, etc.
- Set clear rules about what your teen may do and with whom she may spend time, and talk to them about why these rules are important.
- Establish appropriate consequences for breaking the rules and enforce them consistently.
Three ways to make your teen feel good about saying no to drugs or alcohol
- Talk to them about not giving in to peer pressure - encourage them to be their own individual.
- Help them set long-term goals for education or work so that he is less likely to compromise his future by engaging in risky behavior.
- Help them establish a positive self image and a healthy self-esteem - they are above trying drugs or alcohol.
Watch for signs that your teenager needs help
- Sudden behavior changes like staying out late or ignoring rules.
- Lack of interest in family activities or other hobbies he once enjoyed.
- Emotional changes like being more irritable, mood swings, or excessive crying.
Respect your teen's feelings and understand their challenges
- Maintain a good attitude toward teen behaviors.
- Make an effort to respect his growing need for independence and privacy.
- If you don't like your teen's behavior, tell them in a constructive way rather than getting angry.
Influence your teen's behavior by being a good role model
- Avoid making jokes about underage drinking or allow underage drinking in your home.
- Join school or community efforts to discourage unacceptable teen behavior like drinking, smoking, and sex.
- Consume alcohol in moderation, or abstain from alcohol all together. Never drink and drive.
Three ways to be proactive influencing your teen in a positive way
- Talk to them from a young age about your values on drugs, alcohol, and sex.
- Make your expectations clear.
- Talk about issues regarding drugs, alcohol, and sex before they become problems.
Help your teen say 'NO' to drugs, alcohol, or sex
- Help your teen understand the difference between dating and sex. Girls should learn to say no and boys should learn to respect no.
- Teach them not to let peer pressure change their mind.
- Talk to them or use role playing exercises to help them learn to say no.
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