Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Raising Teenagers

I found the following at Lisa's blog
How to Raise Great Teenagers
(Written By Great Teenagers)

*In my opinion the most important factor of how to raise a great teenager is to raise them great before they're teenagers. To raise them with an equal mix of love and discipline and to not be too strict or give in to their every desire. Most importantly to instil a love of God and a desire to please Him.

*In my opinion, treating each person differently, according to their own needs and personality creates an atmosphere conducive for success - there's no one way to raise everyone.

*One thing that sticks out in my mind about how my parents raised my sister and I is they always had to draw the line somewhere. This went for everything like dating, curfew, going out to do things with friends, who our friends were etc etc. Growing up we hated that line because it was never where we wanted it, but now when I look back it was right where it needed to be.

*A huge factor in a teenager's conduct and personal developement of character is finding a way to keep God important in their life. There is nothing easier for a teenager to dismiss God as a childish thing, or at least nothing to be taken seriously; finding a way to make God seem, indeed the first priority, and an adult one, as well, is key to any teenager's being "great".

*Never assume that your parents know exactly what you mean by something. We must make ourselves very clear when saying something that could be misinterperated. I think one of the biggest problems between teenagers and their parents is not communicating what we mean effectivly.

*I think that one of the more important things to raising a teenager is to make them work. This builds their character and also keeps them occupied...

*I think an important thing to raising a teenager is breaking them of bad habits when they're younger. You should give them love and attention, but also show discipline and not bend to their will. You should also keep God an important factor in their lives.

9 comments:

gemoftheocean said...

Great post. The good young people don't often get enough credit. [AND their parents, who raised them right!]

Easter Almuena said...

Wonderful post, Esther! We all need to be reminded of this. Love it. :-)

I like that picture of Joey! :-)

Tracy said...

wonderful post!!

Ellen said...

Loved this post. Like you, I think my son is one great kid. He is mature in his thoughts and actions and I attribute that to the fact that we treated him as our child, not as our friend. You definitely have to draw the line at times and though it is difficult, it is the right thing to do.

Kathleen Miller said...

Esther,

Thank you so much for this post. It really has hit home as I too have a teenager: a young lady who is 16.5.

Your son Joey looks like a fine boy with a strong faith. You have done well!

God Bless,

Kathy

Marie said...

Esther:)
both you and your hubby should be proud of such a kind young man.

The best thing a parent can be is to be that parents and not their childrens best friend. I love the mixture of discipline and love..I hope many parents will be inspired by your post here:) God bless you my friend:).

Peace & much love to you:)

Marie xoxooxoxo..PS:As your er adopted daughter Do remind Joey that I rule! LOL!Hahahahha!

EC Gefroh said...

Thanks for that Karen :-)

He will be happy to read that Easter. I thought it was a good picture too.

Thanks Tracy.

Ellen and Kathleen...and Easter, we really have been blessed with good teens, haven't we?

Thanks dear Marie....and I will tell Joey :-)

Tito Edwards said...

Esther and all homeschoolers,

I am single and don't have children, but I intend to homeschool (if God wills it).

I just came across this article about the firing of 4 employees when it was found out that they 'only' had homeschool diplomas.

http://custosfidei.blogspot.com/2008/05/catholic-news-friday-may-30-2008-ad.html

Help spread the word.

In Jesus, Mary, & Joseph,

Tito

EC Gefroh said...

Thanks Tito!!