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Plenty for Teens to Do at Home

When children become teenagers, their curiosity often gets the best of them. Teen-aged years are the most common time for kids to explore potentially harmful and obviously harmful experiences, including drugs and alcohol, unsafe sex and so on. As a parent, it is important to devise safe home-based activities that teenagers can do at home so that you can keep an eye on them and keep them close all the time. Finding ways to keep your children at home does not have to be tedious or to make you feel like a jailer. You can create fun home based activities or teach them about online trading or UFX Markets or something which your teen is interested, your teens will enjoy doing to keep them in the house much more effectively.

Plenty for Teens to Do at Home

One of the ways that you can entice a teen to stay at home is to create after school activities for your children and their friends. Stage a poker evening with poker tables, cards, plastic chips and snacks and drinks and invite over a few friends to keep your teen in the house. This is a great way to give your child some incentive to stay at home because it keeps your kid and his or her friends over at your house where you can keep track of them and keep an eye on them much more easily. This is a great way to keep your teen in your sights without lording over him or her.

It is definitely important for you to keep your kids close at all times, knowing what they are doing and where. By inviting your kids and their friends over for a special evening such as a casino night, you can make sure that your child is staying out of trouble in a way that is friendly to your children and beneficial to you well.

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Talking to Teenage Children

Discipline and Driving

Image by Mike “Dakinewavamon” Kline via Flickr

Most parents can agree that talking about serious topics with their teens is not an easy process. Some teenagers simply tune out conversations with parents, while others will elect not to listen and make their own decisions. However, with the dangers of drinking and driving, drug abuse, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases looming on the horizon, having an open line of communication is more important than ever.

Parenting is a difficult road, but can be very rewarding. Those who choose to have more of a buddy relationship with their children early may find themselves unable to control the behavior later on. Teenagers who are in relationships may need extra advice about how to stay safe, healthy, and protected. Some discipline may be required, when teens blatantly ignore the rules. While it’s not always easy to discipline a child, setting limits and sticking to them by forcing consequences is an important part of the growth process. Many children who have little to no boundaries at home are more likely to get into trouble.

Children who experiment with drugs and alcohol can also encounter a danger that they could battle for the rest of their lives. The effects can be problematic on their health, even as young teenagers, or affect their hearts and other major organs later in life. Those who are able to drive can also pose a great threat if they are engaging in these behaviors and then getting behind the wheel.

Choosing to have a communicative and open relationship with teens is important. This helps them to realize that they can come to their parents when problems arise, or possibly even avoid them altogether.

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The Realities of Teen Drivers

A person needs to learn how to drive at some point, and currently we have designated the teenage years as that time.  Of course teenagers are capable in so many ways, but they also display several tendencies which demonstrate weaknesses that often prove to be fatal when it comes to driving. And statistically they have higher vehicle-related mortality rates than any other group.

One such sobering national statistic is that among 15- to 20–year olds, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death. Couple this with the fact that 16-year-olds have a higher rate of vehicle crashes than any other age group, and you begin to see the faulty reasoning of allowing teenagers the right to drive.

 

Two adolescent couples at the 2009 Western Ida...

Image via Wikipedia

The argument can be made that it is only logical that those learning how to drive are the most apt to make mistakes when compared with those with more experience. If that is the case, then any age designated as the age to introduce driving would be subject to the same statistical results. Without a control group on which to gauge this argument it is hard to say if it is simply a matter of new drivers or the immature nature of this particular age group.

Consider this additional statistical information:  States which use Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) experience 11 percent fewer traffic fatalities for 16-year-olds than those states that don’t use this program. (GDL is a graduated program of training, which requires more supervised and limited driving experience before becoming a fully licensed driver).  And, in states with the most rigorous graduated licensing requirements that figure increases to 20% fewer teen fatalities for 16-year-olds.

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Is Your Teen’s Online Shopping Out of Control?

Teens always want the newest and greatest thing, whether it is a cell phone, designer apparel, or anything else. This can be a burden for parents who constantly have to whip out their debit card to pay for the needs and wants of their teens. Good parents, however, realize that teens need to be taught to be grateful for what they have and use some discretion in the purchases that they make, especially online, otherwise the teen’s shopping habits can quickly become out of control and burdensome.

If your teen’s online shopping habits seem to be out of control, you should look into signing up for a prepaid card. This way you can teach your teen responsibility and money management skills. You can put as much money on the card as you want and reload it at any time. It can then be used just like a regular debit or credit card to make purchases. This way your teen knows the amount they are allowed to spend, but you don’t have to worry about them going into debt because the card does not work on credit.

Older teens should get a job and reload the prepaid card with money themselves. It is the younger teens who really benefit from prepaid cards. It teaches them about the credit world and helps them make wiser decisions with money.

It is important to teach teens how to manage money and having a card to use to make purchases is a great way to learn, especially since there are no risks. If your teen’s online shopping habits are out of control, look into this option.

 

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Dealing with Your Teen’s Resistance to Change

It seems to be a fact of human nature that change is difficult to accept. That’s true, regardless of how old you are. However, change can be especially challenging for teens that can be emotionally fragile.

Give Them a Voice

Feeling powerless is one of the most basic reasons teens struggle to accept changes in their lives – a result of the many emotional and physical changes they undergo as they grow. By empowering your teen to have a say in the change process, you’ll help with the transition.
Whether you’re moving in the middle of their senior year of high school or you and your spouse are filing for a divorce, think about small ways your teen can make his or her own decisions. Maybe your teen can have a say in how a shared custody arrangement will work. Perhaps you can develop a plan that allows your teen to earn and save money to pay for a trip to see old friends.

Listen

Sometimes, teens need to vent their frustrations to a parent who’s willing to listen. Being a good listener means paying attention to your teen’s concerns, asking follow-up questions, and using the mirroring technique (i.e. repeating back what your teen said to demonstrate you heard and understood him or her). Check in regularly with your teen to see if there are any new concerns you need to address.

If you have genuinely attempted to involve your teen in the change process and have been a good listener, professional counseling may be necessary. This can help to identify and address underlying emotional issues that may be causing problems for your teen.

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Compromising Without Sacrificing Respect or Discipline

Many times, parents of teenagers feel that they cannot give in or compromise about anything, because to do so will just throw the door open to total decline in the parent/teen relationship. This is not true; in fact, compromising on some things often can help make the relationship stronger.

Things to Compromise On

For example, your teen may be dealing with peer pressure. Peer pressure is not always serious; sometimes, the situation is as mild as wanting to wear a certain brand of clothing because everyone else does. You are concerned with price and with the image your teenager may project (knowingly or unknowingly).

Before you say no, check out the clothing first. You may be surprised at how reasonably priced and stylish it is. For example, if your teen likes Rocawear clothing and that is what everyone your teen hangs out with is wearing, the first thing you will notice is the low prices. You can actually afford to purchase pants, shirts, tops, and other garments. Then, when your teen tries them on, you will be amazed at how pulled together the outfit looks while still looking trendy.

This is a compromise area. You can let your teenager wear Rocawear clothing if he wishes and if it complies with school dress codes.

Things Not to Compromise On

This should be easy. You do not compromise on drinking and driving, drug use, or rebellion when it is demonstrated in ways that can cause harm to your teen or others, or that can lead to property damage or other situations. You do what is necessary to stand your ground.

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Drug Abuse – Teens follow parent’s example

 

Various prescription and street drugs may caus... 

Image via Wikipedia

 

 

It is probably one of a parent’s worst nightmares to find out that their child suffers from a drug addiction. Due to an increasing number of teens and even younger children indulging in drug use, parents are all the more vigilant about the signs of addiction in their kids.

 

However, sometimes the child picks up the drug habit by observing similar habits in his or her parent. Studies have shown that children who witness their parents consuming alcohol or drugs are more likely to develop an addiction when compared to children whose parents don’t drink or use drugs. Parents who are suffering from alcoholism or drug abuse are most likely to display high levels of aggression at home. Such behavior often leads to poor parent-child interactions. The likelihood of child abuse in such households is also very high.

 

Kids who have traumatic experiences in their childhood develop several behavioral issues themselves. This is often displayed in social setting like schools where they may pick fights with peers or show a lack of interest in studies and have low grades. On the contrary, some children show symptoms of depressions and shy away from social interactions. In either case, there is a high chance that such children will consume alcohol or drugs at an earlier age than kids who have normal and healthy family life. They are more likely to develop drug addiction too.

 

Having parents who are substance abusers confuses a child on the concept of what is acceptable behavior within a family. Parents are role models and if parents use drugs or alcohol, the child believes drug use is acceptable.

 

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The teenage years

Why are we not looking forward to dealing with our children once they hit the teen years? We were once their age, and we remember exactly what it was like to be a teenager.  Teenagers all to often engage in bad habits.  For example,  the threats of running away from home, screaming at their parents, whining.  This is the most dreaded time for not only the parents but the child as well.  Teens are learning to become more independent and often distort against parental control.  What teenagers don’t realize is that as parent’s all we are trying to do is protect our children.

Remember all children are different.  What works for one might very well be disturbing to another.  It is certain that a particular situation will arise more then once, and what might have worked this time to correct or solve the issue might not work the next.  You have to be creative as a parent.

Try not to let the little things get to you.  If you are constantly nagging or lecturing about something no minute you teen will more likely then not begin to tune you out.  It becomes pointless to argue or lecture over the same thing day in and day out.  If they aren’t harming them or anyone else, or doing anything that could be considered illegal then drop it.  When possible give your teen choices to choose from.  This will make them feel like they are some what independent and that they are able to make decisions on their own.

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Discipline techniques

Becoming a parent has many trials and tribulations.  Your children do not come with a parenting manual, so everything you do is on a trial and error basis.  You have to try different methods to see what works for you and your children.  Discipline is one of those trial and error basis.  What works for you and your children, might not work for another family.  Discipline helps children learn right from wrong.  They can be taught what behaviors are acceptable and can be taught good choices from bad choices.  A loving relationship with you and your child will reflect on them, and they will become more respectful.  Through proper guidance and discipline children will be guided in a world filled with laws.  Discipline gives children a sense of comfort.  Many children like consistency.  If you aren’t consistent in your method of discipline then they will never know what to expect of you, and in return they will control you rather then you controlling them.  The following can be used in effective discipline techniques:

Set household rules.  As a role model and a parent we cannot bargain with them.  It will send them mixed messages if we do negotiate, and children will test you to see what they are capable of getting away with and what they cannot.

Deliever instructions clearly to your children.  You don’t want to say “Mommy doesn’t want you to touch the knife sweetie”  Instead deliver the message in a manner that is loud and clear.  ”Don’t touch the knife.  You can get cut, and get seriously hurt.”  It is imperative for children to know when parents are serious.

Teach your children to develop eye contact.  Set an example for them, and listen to them when they speak as you would expect them to listen to you.

Choose consequences that are age appropriate.  Do not give a harsh punishment for minor incidents.

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Role Models

Parents are children’s role models.  They only learn from the best.  If you ask your children to pick up their toys and to put them away yet you have all of your stuff thrown throughout the house, this doesn’t make a very good impression to your children.

As children get older and can better understand the difference between actions and consequences it is imperative to set house hold rules for the family.  If these are clearly understood what is expected of them then you can address the consequences if one of the house hold rules become broken.  Do they loose a privilege?  Do they get to go to time out?  This is clearly up to the parents and what you feel is effective for your child’s behavior.

It happens all to often, and I’m guilty of it myself where a parent will choose to ignore a child’s behavior or choose not to follow through with a discipline action based on the child’s behavior and this sets a bad example for the children.  Remember if you want discipline to be effective you have to be consistent each and every time.

When you determine what behaviors will be punishable and the children have a clear understanding of that, it is also important to reward for good behaviors.  Rewarding your children for good behavior will have such a tremendous impact on them.  Try to be specific as possible when praising good behavior.  Saying “Way to go” really isn’t giving your children a clear understanding of what you are pleased with.  Maybe instead you can say “I’m so proud of you for playing nicely with your sister.”

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