It doesn t have to be a big thing. Helping to choose carpet or a dinner menu are kinds of things where a child can offer input. Perhaps a Saturday excursion destination. Children and teenagers share the feelings of adults. Yes, it makes a difference.
Respect is an easy thing to show.
It only needs to say that the child is treasured and that he or she matters to us. Another form of respect is to give the child space to grow. Respect their thoughts, as mentioned previously, but also respect their privacy and their decisions. If it s truly a danger and the child doesn t relent, other steps must be taken, but before anything else, give the facts and see if they might alter the decision. A teenager s bedroom is a refuge.