Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

12-06-2021

Encourage Self-Reliance and Accountability

Teens may long to be independent, but they depend on their families for almost everything. You can develop your teen's self-reliance by giving him control over some things. He’ll gain independence and learn about accountability, too.

Here are some examples:

Finances. If you give your teen an allowance, designate things he will be responsible for buying, such as clothes, tickets and snacks. His allowance should cover these items with a little left over for saving.
Rules. You should have the final say on the household rules. But involve your teen in developing them. He should have a say (in advance) about the consequences for breaking the rules, too.
Activities. Let your teen help make family plans. Ask, “Where would you like to go out to eat?” Or, “Would you rather go hiking or to a museum?”
Free time. Give your teen some unscheduled time each day to spend as he pleases. Also, consult him before changing his schedule. Say, “Does a dentist appointment at 3:00 tomorrow sound OK?”
Homework. Your teen needs to complete his assignments. But give him choices about when and where to do them.

Brought to you by:

Webster County Schools

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