Adolescent Attitude

There is so much to say about adolescents. First and foremost they are awesome...so interested in everything, so adventuresome, full of energy, so invincible ( in their minds), determined, independent ( again in their minds), and changing so fast...OK I know they are also a big giant pain in the butt! Their mood changes with the wind, they are snippy, they are rebellious, and oh so sloppy ..they seem so irresponsible and private. That beautiful child that used to love you and hug you and be so happy to make you smile now seems to have forgotten all you have done for him or her...

Well parents can you please just remember that they have a lot going on. With all the physical, emotional, and social changes, growth, and adaptation, they are managing it is hard to be responsible and deal well with a nagging parent. And we must admit most parents do not have optimal positive parenting skills that they have been using since the birth. After all these years of yelling, punishment, nit picking, prying into their business, doing everything for them, lecturing, threatening, commanding, demanding, controlling, etc etc...they have had enough.

They know they are supposed to grow up and separate from you. They know they are supposed to get an education, make good decisions, be independent and self supportive and it is all scary as crap!

Detaching from you is as hard for them as it is for you.(though they will never admit that to you) Treat them with respect and they will be respectful, let unimportant issues pass, allow them to express themselves respectfully, let them screw up the small stuff and be there to support them, remember safety first always! ( There is way to much to say about all this..just a drop in a bucket here.)

Of course we must teach them to be responsible and respectful, but if you are a good role model
(which means you behave exactly as you would expect them to behave) and approach all issues, challenges, and concerns in a positive, teaching, loving, productive way, (and if you do not know how to do that I can teach you)I assure you they are pretty certain to grow up and be happy, healthy, responsible and respectful adults.