Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

11-22-2023

Set Expectations for Responsible Behavior

Teens often complain that their parents treat them like children. But when your teen acts irresponsibly, you may feel you have no choice! To break this cycle, start by letting your teen know exactly what you expect at home, at school and in your community.

Be clear that you expect your student to:

Fulfill promises. Can you count on your teen's word? If so, you have a responsible teen. But if your student usually falls short on this—by saying one thing and doing another—then start there. Make it clear that you cannot grant any further freedoms until your teen proves trustworthy.
Follow directions and routines. Suppose it has long been your teen’s job to clear and wipe down the table after dinner. Responsible teens, knowing the routine, will do this without needing to be reminded. Say that you also expect your teen to follow school-related routines, like completing assignments without a fight and following the teacher’s directions.
Show effort. It’s easy to give solid effort to things we enjoy and want to do. But responsible teens will also do this for things they know they have to do. Explain that this shows that your teen understands the job must be done, and it’s easier on everyone to do it well the first time. Model this behavior yourself when you have to do a task or chore that you personally dislike.
Maintain self-control. Everyone gets angry sometimes. But responsible teens express anger without causing harm. Explain that it is impossible to trust a teen you fear could “explode” at any moment. Responsible teens uses words (without insults) to communicate anger. They accept that—as part of a family at home and part of a class at school—they are not always going to get their own way.

Then, make a consistent plan for helping your teen achieve the responsible behavior you want to see.

Brought to you by:

Nye County Schools
Pahrump, NV

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