Discipline
Five ways to help your teen develop self-discipline
You don't want to nag your teen. And she certainly doesn't want you to nag her about homework every day. But how can parents help teens develop the self-discipline they need to take responsibility for themselves? Here are five ways to help your teen become more self-disciplined:
- Don't rescue. Let your teen experience the consequences of her actions. If she puts off writing the paper, don't type it for her. Remember--your goal as a parent is to work yourself out of a job!
- Stick to a single word. Teens have short attention spans. Using a single word--"dishes" or "homework" is more likely to get through.
- Expect her to be a contributing member of the family. Teens who have responsibilities at home begin to see themselves as important members of the family team.
- Give your teen a say. Let her set her own study schedule. When she shows she can do that, let her take on more responsibility.
- Pick your battles. Not everything is worth fighting about. Decide on the issues and values that are most important to you. Let other things go.
Reprinted with permission from the October 2009 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (High School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2009 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Diane Wolfe, "Help Your Teenager Develop Self-Discipline," Canadian Parents, www.ims.issaquah.wednet.edu/Teachers/counseling/Parenting/Helping%20Your%20Teen%20Develop%20Self%20Discipline.pdf.