Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

12-13-2021

To Encourage Responsibility, Give Your Teen Some Control

You want your teen to take school and home responsibilities seriously, but how can you make that happen? Teens are more likely to be responsible when they feel they have some control over their own lives.

Of course, teens still need to follow rules, and parents still need to be in charge. But there are ways to help your teen feel she has more control and influence.

To develop your teen's sense of responsibility:

Allow her to make her own decisions whenever possible without compromising safety. Then let her live with the results.
Suggest a wide time frame for your teen to complete a task or chore. “We need the laundry folded before bedtime tonight. Please see that it’s finished by then.” Then let her decide exactly when she’ll do the chore to meet the deadline.
Ask for her opinion concerning some family decisions, such as meal planning or making a purchase.
Allow her to redecorate or paint her room so it’s the way she wants (within a budget you set).
Put her in charge of planning a family event, such as an outing or birthday celebration.

Brought to you by:

Webster County Schools

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