Empowering Your Teen

Welcome New Blog Followers!Happy Saturday! What a beautiful, sunny day here in Memphis! How many of you are in the midst of parenting teenagers?  Often, while mentoring or listening to many parents and guardians discuss their teens behavior, I notice that many times teenagers really want to have their own identity, but we as parents stand firm to protect.As parents, we normally run to the rescue of our child, instead of empowering them to think or make sound decisions. Now, we are suppose to ensure their safety and well-being, but have you empowered them with responsibility and courage? Are you solving their problems instead of developing them to be responsible? This goes for every age group. We should be offering advice and life lessons. It can be a little difficult to see our babies develop into youth, teenagers, and soon to be adults. With each stage of life, we wonder where did the time go and did we provide them with a great upbringing.Here are a few tips to help you along the way:1. Trust your child. Every situation is different. Allow them the space to feel the trust. Discuss expectations and limits. Empower your teenager to be thinking, discerning, and capable to make sound decisions.2. Ensure your child is taking responsibility. This doesn't mean you are giving up on your child, but allowing them the space to make decisions. This provides for maturity and growth.3. Offer advice. This is where you as the parent can provide life lessons when asked for your assistance. Empower them with a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. Advise them on choosing respectful friends.Be the supportive parent. Listen to your child and assist them in the positive direction.Always SMILE...Sherill