Parenting, however, involves guiding the preteen to develop responsible behavior. Control seldom accomplishes this and further sets the stage for teenage rebellion. Controlling parents contribute to more rebellious behavior, not less. Parents need to closely examine their own behavior, too. Telling a preteen not to do something even though the parent does it may demonstrate inconsistency and promote rebellion.
Preteen years are an important time for children to begin developing responsible behavior.
Parents are still powerful forces even though preteens appear not to listen or care. There are no hard and fast rules about developing a responsible, independent preteen. Here are some examples of appropriate ways of involving preteens in the responsibilities of family life. Of course, no one preteen would be expected to assume all of these duties. Read stories to younger siblings.