I'm so discouraged. As long as teens want more freedom and responsibility than parents think they're ready for, there will be conflicts. But there are ways successful parents have learned to safely navigate the rapids of the teen years. Here are seven key principles that many successful parents employ. At the end of the apprenticeship, the young person was ready to go out on his own as a responsible member of the community.
Successful parents focus more on their own behavior than on the behavior of their teens.
Balance love with limits. As a reflection of God's love, we love our teens unconditionally. But successful parents understand that unconditional love includes limits or rules. That's why a balanced approach with plenty of hugs, encouragement and kindness is so important. Successful parents are loving but also firm because they're convinced that even a firm parent, if loving, is a much more gentle teacher than the world.