Today's Tip for Families

01-15-2022

Parent Teens With Firmness and Flexibility

Two phrases you have probably heard can be useful to parents of teenagers. One is "set in stone." Another is "just play it by ear." The key is to be careful about when to use which.

Things that should be "set in stone" are the standards of conduct you have for your teen. It may be tempting when kids' behavior gets frustrating to accept whatever you can get. One day you may even be tempted to just stop talking about the high standards for effort and conduct in school that you have always had. Don't fall into that trap. Normal teen behavior is never a reason to lower your standards. Keep them high, and your teen will rise to them again.

Many other things can be "played by ear." Give your teen opportunities to act responsibly. Then reward consistently responsible behavior by allowing a little more freedom. Has your teen had a spotless driving record for six months or a year? Maybe it's time to increase driving privileges. If your student has complied with a curfew for a long time, you may decide to adjust it to be 30 minutes later.

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Webster County Schools

[School Success Ideas for Families]

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