Teenagers!!

Hello weary souls.  My guess is you have had times of emotional stress and frustration that has brought you here for some glimpses into why teenagers do and say what they do and how you can live with them a little more harmoniously instead of want to kick them out and take a good long break from even talking to them.  I don’t have the answers, but I do hope I can share some things that may be helpful in keeping the peace.  Welcome….take a deep breath and look around.

Start allowing your child to take on new responsibilities and learn independence.

• Have them go inside the dentist or Dr. office ahead of you and check in by themselves.  Tell them what to say and do.  They will gain confidence and feel important, however shy kids will resist but will need this simple practice even more so.  Give them encouragement and prompting.  Head inside a few minutes after them and just check in to make sure all is well.  They’ll get the hang of it after a few times!
• Let them fill out some forms or applications for you.  Then check for understanding and completion.
• Let them pump your gas and pay with your card!
• Teach them how to check the oil, air in the tires and change a flat tire or call AAA.
• Help them write a resume and keep records of their work and volunteer experience.
• Let them teach someone else how to do a chore.  Or let them lead others in a group project around the house.
• Ask them to dispute something, a charge on a bill, a mistake on your receipt, whatever.
• Make them volunteer somewhere.  Change it up until they find something they really enjoy doing.
• Teach them how to tip and how much is appropriate.
• Walk them through buying things at a store and then send them in alone at some point to buy 1-3 things and pay with your cash or card.
• Teach them how to file taxes.
• Walk them through setting up a budget and saving an emergency fund, or find Dave Ramsey information and learn together!
• Let them order your food at take out or a restaurant.

Safety

• Get the Uber or Lyft app for them and tell them they can use it anytime they need it while out, and you will pay for it.  No questions asked.  They will more than likely use it rather than call you for a late night pickup.  Fine by me, as long as they get home safe.
• Teach your teens how to be aware of their surroundings.  Where they are going and with whom.  Safety in numbers, always!  Always know where they are going and how to get home before they go somewhere.
• Keep reminding them that they can get in trouble just by association, even if they did nothing wrong.
• Social media posts are forever!

Role play some scenarios:

• How to respond when someone asks you to drink or try something you don’t want to do.  (My parents would kill me and I personally don’t want to be grounded for the next month.  I like hanging out with my friends.)
• A friend asks to use your car.  You don’t want them to.  (My insurance doesn’t cover anyone else driving my car, sorry.  Or my parents will take my car away if they find out I let someone else drive it.)
• Think about your personal boundaries and practice what to say to a date so they are clear and thus respectful of them.  (If they aren’t, ditch that date.)
• How to ask someone out on a date, IN PERSON!
• How to decline, kindly.
• Talk about how to be more mature than the other person if a relationship ends and they are being bad mouthed, even if it’s all lies.  Speak truth and let it go.  Let them look bad, by being immature and your teen can shine maturity, even if it means just ignoring them.  Don’t stoop to their level.  Remember, your future hopeful date may be reading your posts and seeing how you treat others.
• How to introduce themselves or respond to someone with a firm handshake.

Parenting Teens with Love and Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Fay

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Smart Money Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze

Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey

Debt Free Degree by Anthony ONeal