our teens are our teachers!

Our Teens are Our Teachers!

Most parents (me included) tend to share our knowledge and advice with our teens CONSTANTLY, so they will become well adjusted contributors to society. “Do this. Don’t do that. Don’t forget this. Why are you doing it that way?” What if we stopped talking and started listening to our teen? What if, instead of lecturing them, we interacted with them? Sounds easy. It’s definitely not easy to change our ways, but it is definitely possible. 

Our teens actually have a ton to teach us, if we are willing to step back and observe.  

Take time to see what your teen is accomplishing.  Notice how they are showing up with you, at school, and with friends.  Watch to see what motivates them. What do they gravitate towards?  Do you see a spark in their eye when they talk about a certain topic?  

Let’s be the parents that teach our children HOW to think, not WHAT to think.

If you observe your teen each day, without judgment, you will realize how much they already know and what we can learn from them. This week, my three teens reminded me of these nuggets:

• Time is precious. Do what you want and don’t waste time on what you don’t want.  

• Surround yourself with people that make you smile.  

• When you want something, be gritty, be determined, do not give up until you succeed. 

•  Listen to your body: It is ok to rest, even if it is 13 hours of sleep!

So the next time you catch yourself telling your teen what to do, I challenge you to stop talking AT them and start having a real conversation.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy your teen. I am excited about what you learn about life by watching them!

If you need support with transitioning from talking AT to talking with your teen and learning how to gain your best lessons from your teen, DM me to get started and build the relationship you always wanted with your teen.  Now is the TIME!