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Hang in there it can be a wild ride.
I would always say while zooming down the teenage years lane at 200km per hour that when I left the hospital there was NO manual to say how to be a parent to a teen and what to expect.
I read all the baby books, but I neglected to get the sociology degree that teaches you how to parent a teenager.

As parenting a teenager is challenging it is also challenging for the teen.
It is a time of wanting the independence and freedom to make choices and express who they are. Yes, they will always be your child but parenting needs to change to avoid butting heads and fracturing the relationship.

Teens want to be heard and you may not always agree with their thought patterns.
A good line might be.
That`s interesting I have never looked it at that way, tell me more said with curious voice not condescending voice.

So, many expectations.
So, many emotions.
Both not knowing how to deal with the emotions.
Teens find themselves in a variety of situations and don`t have the tools to work through them.
When emotions are not worked through they can come out in an inappropriate way.

You are both on a journey and changes can happen very quickly.
Feelings can get hurt.

Teens have an identity an are exploring their new roles.
Tips

1. Treat them as an adult
2. Ask for their input (What do you think)
3. Allow them a voice (Even if it isn’t your voice)
4. Compromise
5. Ask don’t tell. (Could you do this it would really help me out)
6. Speak their love language (Gary Chapman)
7. Don`t sweat the small stuff (No need to have the last say)
8. Don`t ignore the risky behaviour (Parenting 101 time to suck it up)
9. Blend parenting and friendship (Parent first)
10. Change your language for challenging behaviour (don’t attack, keep calm)
11. Take time out for yourself
12. Don’t answer straight away. (I’m not sure, I will need to think about it, can I get back to you in an hour or a day? (Ask for permission and give a time frame when they can expect an answer)
13. Question your parenting. (Reflect on your actions just as a teacher would)
14. Am I controlling, bossy, abrupt, dominant. (Personality test https://www.16personalities.com/
15. Cotton ball and hover parenting doesn’t not build trust with your teen.
16. Talk openly at an earlier age so it doesn’t become awaked.
17. Use the correct wording for body parts, it’s a natural

 

1. Don’t tease your child about their changing body.
2. Practise empathy. (I can see this is challenging for you,)
3. Give permission for emotions. (I hear your very upset about that..)
4. Respect: Speak to them as you would want to be spoken to.
5. Create rules together

Last but the most important tell your children you love them even when they are yelling they hate you. I survived and you will also.
for support click below.
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​School saver “Care & Collect”
Teaching your child to care for their belongings
Part 1
It`s the first week of school you have purchased the school supplies your child needs, labeled and packed ready for use.
First year buy base range of pencil case, bag etc.
Through the year they have the opportunity to earn cash towards a fancy pencil case or bag of their choice through the care and collect system
But how do you educate your child on how to care for their belongings.
Enable your child to be responsible for their belongings by Creating a monthly check list.
Print out a picture and add the dollar value of each items you would like your child to be responsible for.
Each month if they have cared for these items put a dollar value on the items and place a percentage of the amount into a jar. E.g. pencil case worth $6.00 put in $1 for each month.
At the beginning of the new year if the child has cared for belongings they will be able to upgrade to a pencil case of their choice.
 

​kids in SCHOOL” CARE & Collect”
Teaching your Child how to Recycle & Budget
Part 2
As your child starts a new year of schooling.
Did you purchase all new school supplies or do you encourage your child to care for their supplies throughout the year and recycle at the start of the new year?
Encourage your child to recycle their pencil case, scissors etc. For every item they have cared for and recycled from the previous year give a % towards the upgrade e.g. $1 for scissors 50c for pens they might like a to use the money towards a favorite movie themed display folder instead of the plain colors or a special bag or pens with the reward dollars.
This allows for your child to learn to be responsible for their stationary throughout the year.
Teaches budgeting and the value of items.
Recycling of goods.
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Kids in school
Teaching Children Gratitude
Part 3
You have done your child`s school supply shopping.
Does your child know how fortunate they are to have all the items they require purchased for them?
Some families struggle to buy food for their children due to many life factors.
Would your child like to support a peer’s education?
Why not let your child  purchase a few supplies to give to the teacher on the first day for a child who may not be as fortunate as themselves.
Your child will learn
Bringing awareness to the child of the community demographics.
Practicing gratitude for the items they own and use.
Budgeting.