When it comes to motivating teenagers it really does begin with the parents. To be sure, raising children is quite a challenge. By the time the children reach adolescence parents have already undergone many changes, emotions and frightening moments. But the teenage years really raises the bar. It requires a new level of commitment from the parents to see those teenagers through.
Here are some things that you as parents of teenagers must consider as you seek to motivate your teens:
Understand You Are Not the First
Although it may be your first time raising one or more teenagers you must understand that there have been literally millions and millions and millions of other parents who have done the same thing. It is one of those common problems that all parents face.
If it is your first time it is perfectly natural to be nervous, maybe even scared. That's because this is new ground for you. You have not been here before. Because of this you will do what comes naturally which takes us to the next item.
Seek the Advice of Other Parents with Teenagers
Almost without fail parents of teenagers will seek out other parents of teenagers. They will share stories and exchange ideas for parenting. This is really good because collectively all of them are going through the same kind of experiences.
When you think about it, as a group of parents your teenagers are going through high school together. This means you will have shared experiences in terms of your teenage students dealing with teachers, dealing with their classmates, and dealing with the changes of adolescence.
As a group of parents having the shared experience, you can give and receive support and encouragement. Not only can you can take comfort in the knowledge you are not the first parents dealing with this, but you are part of a larger group of parents who are now entering into these experiences. Motivating teenagers may become a common concern that you can share.
Maintain Your Parenting Resolve
Another thing you must understand is that as you enter this new phase of your parenting, despite any and all challenges you may face, you must remember that you are parents. Nothing has changed except you have entered a new phase of parenting. Yes, it is likely to be the most challenging phase, but you are still parenting.
Recall when your teenager was just a tiny infant. You were there every time your baby cried for attention. You saw to it that your baby was fed, had a dry and clean diaper, or was tucked away safely in bed.
Moving forward in time, you continued your parenting as your child learned to walk and talk. You continued to be involved in the care of your young child, and ever attentive to his or her needs.
Now moving ahead to the present time, that child has now reach adolescence. As a teenager your child needs you now more than ever. This is because your child is entering a new stage as well. There will be many questions. That young body is changing and you will need to help your child understand what those changes are. Along with that is your responsibility to explain other things about life to your growing teenager.
Set the Example
One last thing to bear in mind is that children learn by example. They see and do. When they reach adolescence, teens are quick to point out any inconsistency between what you say and what you do. You recall the refrain used by adults, "Do what I say, not what I do." Motivating teenagers is a common problem shared by many parents. In preparation for this, you want to watch yourself and set the example by showing motivation regarding life, your work and activities as well.
About the Author
Among the "common problems" Lawrence T. Scott has reviewed, reaching our teenagers is among his favorites. Parenting teenagers is a real challenge in today's world and he offers a key fact all parents of teenagers need to know.
Find out now when you visit => http://www.lawrencetscott.com/why-report.html
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