madameblogalot

As parents, our job is ever changing as our kids grow and change. We have struggled through our kids’ teenage years, but we have always tried our best. And when things get really tough, we are not afraid to ask for help. This week, we learned a new parenting tool, that, at least for now, seems to be pretty effective.

In a tough situation, it was suggested we treat the nearly adult child with love and respect and appeal to the child’s innate intelligence. We saw that as a good approach, but were still a bit unsure how to proceed. Our tutor had us come up with a plan that used the “I think, I feel, I need” approach. We asked our child each of these questions and we too in turn went over the statements from our own perspective. Though the conversation could have become volatile very quickly, our teenager told us it was greatly appreciated that we treated the situation as an adult and that we offered love and support.

While I doubt we are completely through with every detail of our tough times, I know that this approach is working for us right now. And that seems to be about all any parent of any teenager can ask for!