Meryl Streep recently said in Parade magazine: "Parenting is expertise on

the fly. You make it up as you go along." Do you parent like that? Many

parents do! I love Meryl Streep as an actor, but I believe there's a more

effective way to parent.

Have you thought about what the purpose of parenting is? Most parents
I meet hope for a smooth transition into adulthood. They want their
kids to become highly functioning, self-reliant, and responsible
adults.

Now let's see if what you say you want is in alignment with what you are
doing! How are you helping to prepare your kids for the real world?  To
what extent are you allowing them to be self-sufficient?  What life skills
are you consciously teaching? To do this well, it's important to take some

time to think through what impact your parenting is going to have in your

child's future.

The earlier you help your kids learn about natural consequences from

making their own choices--when the stakes are lower--the less likely it is

that they will get into serious trouble. It's been said: Little Kids, Little Problems--
Big Kids, Big Problems. As a purposeful parent, your role is to offer

guidance and then stand back.

More than ever before, today's teens need parents who will walk alongside
and partner with teens, respectfully offering them choices and resources.

To help your kids understand the real world, you first need to observe
how cause and effect works in your own life. What happens when your credit
card payments are late? How do you build a good credit history? Why not
teach your kids some banking basics now before they're in college, when
credit cards are easy to obtain? The opportunities for a young person to
destroy their credit is far greater--and with far reaching consequences.

Consider asking yourself, "How am I preparing my teen for life?" "Are my
actions in alignment with my goals?"

My best!
Barbara

Teen Advice Parenting

Barbara McRae,   My Blog
MCC Author, Coach, Parent/Teen Expert
www.TeenFrontier.com
www.EnhancedLife.com
www.20-Something-Careers.com
Neon Whispers™