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September 8, 2006
How To Be a Successful Teen
I went to an orientation at my daughter's high school last night. The principal said that 9th grade is really a parent's last shot at imparting values and exerting some control over their teen. To this end, he shared four tips for being (and parenting) successful teens. He spoke about how as difficult as it may be to parent a teen, it is more difficult to be a teen. They are learning to separate from their parents (as they need to do), and there is mourning to be done on both sides as our relationship with our teens changes. We need to treat each other with mutual respect and learn to communicate. Here are his four simple rules:
1. Don't break the law. Sounds simple, doesn't it? This includes not driving before you have your permanent license, not drinking before the law allows, etc.
2. Do not put yourself (or your teens) in unsupervised situations -- house parties where the parents aren't home, clubbing in the city or the Bahamas on spring break. It's just not safe.
3. Get involved in school -- take part in clubs, teams and activities. The more time you spend doing constructive activities, the better off you'll be.
4. Your schoolwork is your job -- make sure it gets done.
The principal assured parents that if we follow his advice, our teens will have a successful high school career. Here's hoping...!
Posted by Michele at September 8, 2006 2:19 PM
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