If we make an enormous fuss out of every little thing, life will be insufferable and communication will be squelched. When a student comes in with an outlandish hairdo or a few new earrings in one ear, I know the fad won't last long. I treat the situation with good humor and never a putdown. On the other hand, my own children as well as my students know that speaking disrespectfully will cause immediate and serious consequences. Communication is easier when our expectations are out in the open and not trivial.
Teenagers are falsely packaged.
They will go to great lengths to hide genuine emotions because they have picked up the notion that it's childish to ask for help or show love for their parents. Parents who are aware of these characteristics can intervene and offer practical assistance with homework organization and research. Your child may need help breaking large assignments down into smaller portions, memorizing long lists or finding information through research. Even if you know your teen should have acquired these study skills by now, your tactful intervention may mean the difference between success and failure. When we are rearing children through adolescence, these are the most refreshing words in the Scriptures.