Flirty & Feisty Romance Blog...spice up your relationships: Tips on How to #Parent #Teens

Welcome to Advice Corner!

Hello,

It's great to be back on Advice Corner.

I've been busy editing my upcoming Christmas Romance Book.

Okay, so I was watching a US TV series recently about parents with five teenagers, ages ranged from 13 - 17.

These teens and their friends got into various problems, from naughty mistakes to petty crimes.

Personally, as a mum to a young adult and a teenager,

What I found ridiculous was how these parents were always quick to deny their children were involved in any trouble and always supported their teens, insisting they were innocent even before they knew the facts.

In fact, on many occasions, they found out their children made the mistakes or committed the crime they were accused of.

These scenarios reminded me of every day life.

1. Parents want to believe their children are always well-behaved.

2. They assume their teens don't drink, smoke, get girls pregnant, abuse drugs, handle weapons, burgle a home and so on.

Honestly, I can understand the need for parents to think the best about their children.

What I don't understand is how it is okay for these same parents to point accusing fingers at their children's friends claiming these other teens are guilty and a bad influence.

Why is it okay for parents to blame their children's friends anytime their children are involved in any wrong-doing?

Why is it always their friends who push them or influence them to commit a crime?

To me, these parental stance of living in denial teaches their children not to take responsibility for their actions.

Why don't Parents think it's their own children who are to blame or who are influencing other teens negatively?

When Mistakes are Made:

1. Stop, ask your children what happened.

2. Listen to their body language rather than what they say to you, the truth will stare you in the face.

3. Stare into their eyes to see if they are lying.

4. As uncomfortable and disappointing as you might feel, at least you can help your child to find out why they are involved in notorious acts, instead of blaming other people's children.

5. Remind your children that actions have consequences.

6. Also, let them know that if they cross boundaries, whether or not they were influenced by their friends, as long as they were involved, they will face the consequences of their actions.

7. If children believe their parents are unapproachable, that they can't have an open and honest conversation with them, then, they will lie about their involvement.

Too many children are handling knives and guns and using them to hurt others. This is wrong.

Human beings are created in God's image and are therefore sacred, precious, not to be cut down like some tree or animal.

My Advice:

1. Parents, keep an eye on your teenage children.

2. Know their friends.

3. Listen and talk with your children. Find out what they love doing and where they hang out at all times.

4. Pray for your children.

5. Love your children unconditionally. You owe them that much.

May God help us care for our children and bring them up to love and respect God and their fellow human beings.

Pictures are courtesy of Google.com

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