Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

02-20-2024

Teach Your Teen Two Important Lessons

"Two of the most important lessons children can learn," wrote columnist William Raspberry, "are that they matter and that they are counted on." Families are in the perfect position to teach their children this lesson.

Teens learn that they matter when the adults in their lives take time to talk with them ... and then to listen to what they have to say. They learn they matter when their families notice that they have made an extra effort—whether it's cleaning a bedroom without nagging, not interrupting when someone is on the phone or in a video meeting, or doing well on a test or project in school.

Teens also learn that they matter when families set limits. If you establish a regular study time—and stick to it—your student will learn that education matters to you. When you establish rules about where your teen can go when and with whom, you show that you care about your teen’s safety and activities.

Make it clear you count on your teen by expecting your student to take on some responsibilities. Say that you count on your teen to stick with a task until it's completed, to try hard, to pitch in without being asked, and to do some chores with a smile. (Of course, teens are more likely to do all those things if they see adults doing them, too.)

These are lessons your teen can learn any time. And you are the ideal person to teach them.

Brought to you by:

Nye County Schools
Pahrump, NV

[School Success Ideas for Families]