Being a parent of a teenager can seem like one of the craziest, frustrating, and tiring times of your life. But it can also be one of the most rewarding times as well. I think the reason it can feel so crazy at times is that we are all just trying to figure out how to parent teens as we go. There’s no handbook they give you when your child becomes a teen that has step-by-step instruction, although that would be awesome!
Wouldn’t it be helpful to just know what your student was thinking every once in a while? I came across this list called “A teenagers ten commandments to parents” in a Kevin Leman parenting book a few years back. While it’s not exhaustive, it does give us some great reminders. Enjoy.
A Teenagers Ten Commandments to Parents
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Please don’t give me everything I say I want. Saying no shows me you care. I appreciate guidelines.
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Don’t treat me as if I were a little kid. Even though you know what’s “right,” I need to discover some things for myself.
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Respect my need for privacy. Often, I need to be alone to sort things out and daydream.
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Never say, “In my day….” That’s an immediate turnoff. Besides, the pressure and responsibilities of my world are different than they were when you were my age.
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I don’t pick your friends or clothes; please don’t criticize mine. We can disagree and still respect each other’s choices.
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Refrain from always rescuing me; I learn most from my mistakes. Hold me accountable for the decisions I make in life; it’s the only way I’ll learn to be responsible.
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Be brave enough to share your disappointments, thoughts, and feelings with me. By the way, I’m never too old to be told I’m loved.
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Don’t talk in volumes. I’ve had years of good instruction; now trust me with the wisdom you have shared.
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I respect you when you ask me for forgiveness for a thoughtless deed or word on your part. It proves that neither one of us are perfect.
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Set a good example for me as God intended you to do. I pay more attention to your actions than your words.
