Teens Do Need Their Parents Whether They Want Them or Not

If you have children that are approaching their teen or are already teens, life could be tough for a parent but it doesn't have to be. Raising teens to be happy adults can seem hard at times but by staying closely involved in there lives, you are teaching them lessons that will be carried with them through there adult years.

It may seem that they don't want their parents in their lives at this point, they may even get mad at you and tell you to butt out, but don't. Whether they know it or not they do need their parents. The only difference at this stage of their life is that parents do need to give them a little more freedom so they can make their own mistakes and learn from them.

If you are struggling as a parent of a teen then reading this article may help. I have put together suggestions that have helped my husband and I raise our three teens.

1. The most important three words that you can tell your teen is "I Love You." These words need to be said often, even every day. Teens need to hear these words especially when they are angry with you and tell you that you don't care about them. If they have done something wrong that you don't like, tell them that you will always love them but you don't love what they did. Teens have a hard time understanding this but some day they will remember that you always told them you love them.

2. All teens need a home plate, a since of belonging, a family, whether they think so or not. Teens try to break away from many of the family activities by saying "I'm to old for that." Parents need to stress the importance of family. So many families have moved a part either by distance or by just too many activities within their own home. Just eating supper together a couple nights a week can bring a family together.

3. Teens need to work around the house; they live there too. They dirty up things just like everyone else. Teens are old enough to clean their room, wash the dishes, vacuum, dust and change the sheets and make their bed. This teaches them how to take care of a home. Yes, they will gripe and complain but don't back down and do it yourself; this teaches them nothing. All family members should have household chores that are their responsibility. And don't give them an allowance; do you get an allowance when you wash the dishes? They eat off them also.

4.As parents you have to set limits. Teens want you do become their friends, you are not there friend, your job is to teach them right form wrong watch out for them and try to keep them on the right path. There are times you have to put your foot down and just say "no." There will also be times when they will want you to say "no" so they have an excuse to tell there friends that mom or dad said no.

5. Teens need to be involved in outside the home activities. It can be sports, clubs, church groups, etc. This teaches them how to communicate better with people of all ages. Teaches them that what they want is not what everyone else wants.

6. What they are doing now could effect there future. Teens have to know you won't be there forever to pick them up when they fall. They have to realize the importance of a good education so they are able to have a good job to make a good life for them selves. Actions they do today can distinguish their future and teens have to understand this. If they don't have a high school diploma or have a criminal record they will basically have nothing.

Teach them about the value of a dollar. Teens will and do go through money like water if you let them. They need to learn what it takes to feed a family, have and keep a roof over there head, pay the utility bills and gas for the car. Teens take this for granted. They need to learn how there parents do this in order for them to some day take care of themselves.

7. Teens will make choices that you won't like. Remember they are individuals and not exactly like you. Teens are going through constant change, they are trying to find out who they are and what they believe. If they believe something one way and it's not your way, try not to criticize them for this. They do want to be treated like adults but yes they are still kids. If they want to try a new hairstyle, clothing, that's okay unless the clothing are to reveling them you can set limits. If you feel that the trend they are following is leading to something that you know you won't approve of then stop it before it goes any farther. You as a parent have this right.

In today's society so many things have changes since you were a teen. There are so many temptations and bad examples out there that teens need the most important people in their lives, parents as teachers. When parents mix love and discipline into the lives of their children, they will grow-up to be caring and responsible adults.