Parenting Questions

Red_123 asked:


There will be 4 girls and 6 guys we are 13-14 years old.not anything to bad cause the parents will be upstairs.

~♥Pumback♥~ asked:


If your kids can keep there grades up (atleast an A-), do you ever let them take a day off school, just because?

I’m just curious. Thanks. =]
I agree Alisha.

In my high school, there are plenty of days where we do absolutely nothing in class and its not even worth going for.

Being a single parent inherently comes with challenges. As a counselor, often single parents ask what mistakes they need to avoid when parenting their teenager. Many single parents are concerned about any consequences of their divorce that could negatively affect their teenager. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake 1: Lying to them

Honesty is always best, especially when parenting teenagers. First, today’s teenagers are quite savvy and know when they are being conned. Also, dishonesty only destroys trust, which is something that is needed most during this transitional time.

Mistake 2: Avoiding discipline

Wherever there is a lack of any discipline, there is manipulation. Dictionary.com provides this definition of discipline, “Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.” Notice the emphasis on improved character rather than punishment.

Mistake 3: Eliminate any structure or routine

Divorce is a transitional time for everyone involved. Each person’s routine is adversely affected. A structured home environment filled with routines and chores provides a sense of order and ownership. This is beneficial particularly if there is chaos resulting from the divorce.

Mistake 4: Forget about them

As a single parent, you are forced to wear many hats and fill many different roles – often simultaneously. In addition, you are in the midst of trying to provide a stable home environment, work full time, and recover from the emotional adjustment of a being a single parent. In the midst of this, I encourage you to find some time to be intentional on spending time with your teenager on a regular basis. Help them to see that you are available to them, and concerned about any needs they may have.

Mistake 5: Continue fighting with your former spouse

If a marital relationship has been turbulent, then many teenagers anticipate a divorce will bring about a much needed sense of peace. However, if conflict continues after divorce has been finalized then your teenager may experience some emotional difficulty adjusting to the divorce. As much as you are able, try to keep any discussions with your former spouse cordial and focused on your teenager.

Mistake 6: Don’t get them any outside help

Divorce can affect teenagers in many different ways. Some may open up emotionally and sharing their feelings freely. However, others may withdraw from family and friends and become reclusive. Others may enter into some behavioral problems that may have not been there before. If you have any concerns about how your teenager is recovering from the divorce then I encourage you to seek out a qualified professional counselor.

Mistake 7: Assuming nothing is wrong

Another common parenting mistake is to assume that your teenager has been completely untouched by the divorce. There lives seem undisturbed as if the divorce is a minor incident in the tapestry of their lives. And this is true for many teenagers. However, there are others that will give the appearance that all is well, when in fact the opposite is the case. They may do this to save face for them, or they can react this way to give their parents one less thing to worry about. Communicate with your teenager on an ongoing basis about his/her feelings about their new life and its challenges.

By: Terre Grable

About the Author:

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shannonbannen77 asked:

We made a video about parenting teenagers and it makes no sense at all and we were just being stupid. haha lol

ChinaberryInc asked:

Read this mothers memoir of attempting to find herself during the shifting waters of midlife as her teenagers approach college-age.

BeigeDolphin asked:


…..be less crimes,divorces,social and financial crises, suicides, mass shootings,racial disharmony, wars,etc?

Insightful answer get BA fast! And thanks for your effort and time! )

crybaby asked:


What is wrong with not joining family gathering? Teenagers need space from their families. Also, everyone is different. Some people like family gatherings and some don’t. We all like different things. It is the same as some people like baseball, some don’t. Some people like boxing and some people don’t. What is wrong with us liking to do different things? If the teenagers are 15, shouldn’t parents give that choice to the teenagers. They are 15 not 5.

bhorton986 asked:


I’m really close with my ex-girlfriends family and her parents recently got divorced. Her younger brother is 15 and has had a troubled life due to his parents. He reminds me a lot of myself when i was his age and I wish i had someone older and reliable to talk to. I dont feel he has someone to go and talk to about girls,sex,puberty, and other teenage issues. How do I let him know he can ask me anything and talk to me without sounding creepy? How do I bring up subjects like this with him without it being ackward?

Powerpuff [thinks ur cute] asked:


I just finished reading a great book by Meg Cabot [Author of the Princess Diaries] called “How to be popular” [No it wasn't instructions on how to be popular] it was great! It had all the elements of a teenagers life facing peers, romance, friends, appearance, etc. I’m looking for a great book like that! I ESPECIALLY enjoy books that are like diaries/journals where the character is writing about themselves and like about their problems. Romance is a plus too! Books I’ve liked in the past:
Don’t you dare read this Mrs. Dunphrey
Princess Diaries
Explaining the unexplained
How to be popular
I’ve read Diary of Anne Frank [in 8th grade] and Chicken Soup for the Teenage soul…

Being a parent and learning to raise teenagers could be a real challenge for you and your kids. Teenagers are generally stubborn since this is the age where they are beginning to seek independence and developing their own identity. As a parent you need skills and knowledge on how to deal with teens to successfully create a good relationship with your teenage kids. Here are some tips:

Be a good example. Parents should be a living example of their kids. Practice what you preach. You can effectively raise teenagers and make them responsible young adults if you are a good example to them.  

Listen. One way to raise teenagers is to listen and pay attention to them. Teenage kids are entering a new dimension in their life, thinking that they are already adults and ready to face the world.  Although in most cases this not true, you have to recognize that teenagers are more mature than kids but they are not mature enough to decide for themselves and they need you. You need to listen to them, if they are trying to act as an adult, you also have to listen and treat them as an adult. You have to give them the chance to say what is on their minds before you **** in and say what you think.

Put yourself in their shoes. Another thing you can do to raise teenagers is to put yourself in their position. You were once a teenager and you know how challenging and difficult being a teenager. But bear in mind that things and situations now are different from the time you were on your teens. While it is not easy to raise teenagers, you have to understand that your teenage kids are facing new different challenges and difficulties.   

Acknowledge their opinion. Although you do not have to always agree on their opinion and you need to set rules and boundaries, it is still important to make them feel that their opinion matters. If you believe in them and to what they can do, they will act in more responsible ways. If you underrate their opinions they may feel belittled making them more stubborn.

You can successfully raise teenagers if you are always there to give them guidance, love and understanding. Did you know that there are simple but amazing methods for raising teenage kids? Raising your teen doesn’t have to be an ordeal for you and your kids. Learn how you can enjoy a calm, peaceful, and fulfilling relationship with your teen. Discover how to raise teenagers visit Teenager Parenting 101.

To know more about home and family visit All About Home and Family.



By: Gerry Restrivera

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