Teenagers
How many of you out there are living with a teenager in the home? I have a 16 year old son who has never been in any serious trouble but can really work my nerves from time to time. Any suggestions on how to deal with the "I know everything attitude" and the "you don't understand me because you are to old"? First of all, I don't think I am to old. I will be 35 in June and most all of the sneeky things he tries on me are the same things I tried when I was that age, so I do understand but what he doesn't understand is that, I am just trying to avoid him the disappointment of certain things.
freedom
Give him freedoms to do the things that are unnecessary, stupid and useless. The beauty of teenagers is that they have the zeal to explore, even the areas where we'd rather not have them sampling. As I high school teacher I always told myself 'they are people just with no real world experience'. How do they get it? by trying everything. Have absolute rules like 1. no disrespect! You have more living experience so when you say that was disrespectful than it just plain is! 2. Never allow anything that will cause physical harm to anybody- himself, friends, you, family. 3. Family works together, plays together. Everyone in the house works, even if it's only part-time. My two year old doesn't like to put things away but she loves to load the dishwasher. I know the washer has a sanitation cycle and a food grinder so when the dishes aren't rinsed ok. Make sure your rules are generic. Both sides need wiggle room every so often. And don't forget you thought your parents were stupid until you probably hit 25.
Thanks a lot for your words
Thanks a lot for your words of wisdom. My mother said that I have turned into her even though I said it would never happen. I guess I worry tooooooo much. I have really been on him about getting a job. I think it will help him socially and help him earn some extra money as well. Maybe I am pushing to hard. He isn't a bad kid. He's great on checking in before leaving the house, calling in if he's been gone for a while, cleaning his room without being told, and at least he goes to school even though he says he doesn't like it to much. I just want him to succeed in life. Maybe I will take your advice and just let him explore a little and if he is not ready to get a job yet, maybe he'll get really bored over the summer and see that it wouldn't hurt. Once again, thanks a lot.
Teenagers
We have a 17 year old daughter who knows everything and thinks we are TOTALLY stupid!But we're the first ones she turns to when she needs help.She's an honor roll student,stays out of trouble, but it's the mouthy-ness. I would have NEVER back talked my parents!! For one thing tho, I had too much respect. I remember thinking they were stupid,but that's as far as it went--thinking it. She's been wanting a job, so we got her in to Dairy Queen. Had so many friends kids that worked there. They are really great with the kids and their hours. And at night, nobody leaves until everyones ride is there, they are very strict. It's been great for her! She has to take "orders" from someone else, and they all take turns cleaning up certains areas of rest. She comes home with a healthy tiredness. She tells us she doesn't know how we do it!! The Dairy Queen on 31 by Chipp. is awesome!!