Talking To Teens: Kids Corner

Aired on Lifetime
Sunday, January 15 and May 7, 2006
Show 302

Do you ever want to get inside your teenager's head? Remember how out of touch your parents were, when you were a teenager? Well surprise! In your teen's eyes, you have turned into your mother. But there is a way to step out of your mother's style and into a style all your own. American parents play the biggest role in some of their teenager's biggest decisions. And if they listen on the big things, they hear the little ones too. Like when you're chatting around the dinner table. Children who never eat dinner with their families are 61 percent more likely than the average teen to get involved in negative activities. Parents say 50 percent more than they should. So when you hear your child say, "I got it already." They probably do. Keep it short and simple. And even if you know you are right, try not to attack them. And by all means, listen to your child's opinion. Take advantage of every opportunity to hear what is going on with your child. But avoid the 20 questions drill when they walk through the door. Sensitive teens may not get that you're not trying to pry, you're just interested. As tough as it is, your job is in raising your kids so that they can make the tough decisions. Never fight their battles for them. Apologize if you're wrong. By all means, don't apologize for being their parent, you're not their buddy. They can find those anywhere.