Fair Parenting

Does anyone have any good parenting tips?Especially for teens?

Hi,I would love to here from any parents.Who have been there and done that(so,to speak)with their children.I would also like to here tips of what works,when dealing with rebellious teens. As far as getting them to become responsible,cooperative,well-adjusted adults. I also would love to hear anything you would like to share as far as parenting. Wether it be teenagers,kids,babies,etc!And even if it is good or bad,it doesn't make a difference.Just please share your experiences with all of us.Thank-You!

Public Comments

1. lol my best advice is dont have kids lol
2. noooooooooooooo i hate kids
3. rebellious teens thats teen agers, sometimes you just have to sit down alone and ask them why they are doing the foolish stuff... stop giving them everything and make them respect you and make them earn the stuff they need.
4. I'm a teen and i think the best way to deal with the is to think back when you was that age because sometimes it helps, or you just need to know where your child is coing from never how was school your going to get the same answer or soething that don't relate to school
5. Make them get a job, earn money themselves. Don't!!!!! pay their car insurance.
6. well me being a teenager can give you this advice. Until kids are doing something seriously wrong let them learn on there own. Giving us just a little more freedom really is apprechiated and you will get respect in return most of the time
7. show em whose boss
8. hi its hard work being a parent of a teenager they all seem to know better than us! One thing I have learnt is if you say no - mean it. Also I don't give in to mine - if they want something they have to earn it, otherwise they expect to get what they want and when they want it. If they tell you they hate you so much just remind them how much you love them - it mind wind them up a bit, but revenge is sweet! My daughter went to bed an angel one night and woke up a monster the next morning, she's nearly 15 now and she's lovely again. Hope I haven't spoken too soon! They all grow up in their own time, give them some space and let them learn by their own mistakes. We can't live their lives for them! Unfortunately. Good luck x
9. The best advice I can give you is pick your battles. Some things just aren't worth fighting about. Also treat them with respect, talk with them, not down to them. As frustrating as teenagers are and as many times as you'd like to strangle them (don't) they do grow up. Patience is the best key that I have found. Hang in there! It does get better!
10. Here's something that doesn't get done enough: Children getting their butt whooped by their parents. In this day and age, taking away their privileges when they do something bad isn't enough. The only thing that will get it through their heads is a nice, painful beating. This will teach them that they cant always have things their way, and it lets them know that there are boundaries on what they can and cannot do. Plus, its just so funny to watch it happen in public.
11. Coming from someone who was a rebellious teenager, the best thing my mom could have done for me was to let me go. it hurt both her and me, but in the long run i'm a better person because of it. yea, i got into drugs and alcohol, but that had already happened before she let me go! i think teenagers rebel, it's a phase most of the time! i guess it depends on the age, too. my mom kicked me out at 19, i'm now 25, i got into alcohol & mostly drugs, but, today i'm in the AA program, i'm married and me and my husband have a place together and i have a good health relationship w/ my family...............................................
12. love them no matter what they do and remember what it was like when you were in the same place as them. Be firm with them don't be afraid to pop there but when they need it and make up and tell them what they did wrong most of all prays them when they do things wright even little things and they will want to do good things.
13. I have two kids of my own (7&8), I had my eldest when I was 17 years old, I am the step mother of an 11 year old soon to be teen ( already begining to act like one), and a former 'wild' teen myself. I am also the older sister of a late blooming 'wild' teen ( my sister is 21 now and going nuts). I'd be happy to share anything you want to know, it's hard without a specific question though. I guess the main points I would stress(in random order): 1. Always put your children ahead of yourself. 2. Communication, from day one it is important to talk to your child, not just talk at them. 3. Consistancy, you have to be consistant in your schedules, discipline, and praise of your children. 4. Read! Read to them, as muc as possible, encourage thier imaginations and brains! 5. Respect, respect goes both ways, parents should listen to and respect thier childrens feelings. 6. Love! Love is all you need! Love your children adn trust your instincts. Listen to yourself. 7. When is doubt, seek help. If you don't know the right answer, or are confused, ask your doctor, a teacher, your mom, whoever. 8. Celebrate life. It is easy to get caught up in work, or stress, or your own life. Don;t forget to take a break and go on a vacation, even if it is just a day off at the park for a picnic, enjoy your time with them while you can. 9. Let go. SOmetimes you just have to let go, let them find thier own way. 10. Don;t let go. wether they are 8 or 18 hug and kiss them everyday and say I love twice a day !
14. I include my kids in household decisions. Recently I got really concerned about the dangers and liabilities of having a trampoline in the yard. I downloaded facts about trampoline safety and stats about accidents involving trampolines, my older boy read them to the younger kids. I said what do you think? they said lets get rid of it. There were no complaints and I came across as willing to respect their decision, I got a lot of mileage out of that. I give my kids choices I am willing to live with. they treat me with respect when I say a decision has to be mine because sometimes I have to accept the fact that they make decisions I support but do not agree with. always let your kids know you love them. when they are in trouble remind them, you are bothered by their actions, you hate what they might do, but you love them. thats my two cents. ciao.