Is Your Teenager Paying Attention to You?

Raising Girls: Why Girls Are Different--and How to Help Them Grow up Happy and Strong

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They still need us after all

As our kids get older sometimes we get the feeling they aren't paying attention to us old people anymore but nothing could be farther from the truth. Our kids look to us for acceptance and affirmation just as much as they did when they were in the second grade saying, "Watch me! Watch me!".

Your opinion of your teenager strongly affects your teenagers opinion of themselves. I can't stress that enough! If you think they are strong and beautiful and worth respect, they will think that too. If you can't be bothered and always have a quick insult to share because his/her interests or style is different than yours then, your teen will inevitably feel that who they are isn't good enough.

It's their job to act as though they don't care what we think because they don't need us anymore. It's our job to know that they do! That's why they are the kids and we are the adults.

What Our Teenage Girls Deserve
When my daughter was a pre-teen and teenager I would watch so many of her friends and classmates go through experiences similar to mine and my heart would just sink! I would always do whatever I could for them but, I could never undo what their paren
Talking with your Teenage Girl without Arguing? Absolutely!
Teenagers are amazing to me. When you look in their faces you can see promise and curiosity. They have every opportunity to do anything they want with their lives. They are smart and eager and the world is theirs for the taking! It’s inspiring to see
Teenage Daughters and Their Friends
Our teenagers deserve the same level of unwavering commitment and time that they have always had from their parents. They aren't done growing, learning and developing. Your guidance and strength is needed now more than ever!

DO

Compliment her everyday.

Point out something wonderful about your daughter everyday. She is probably spending a lot of time worrying about things other people have that she doesn’t. For instance, ‘That girl has longer hair’ or ‘I wish I had the guts to try out for the dance team like she is’. We all know what that feels like and it’s not good. Your daughter might forget or overlook all of her wonderful qualities and get stuck in the rut of never feeling good enough. Remind her how beautiful she is or what an amazing smile she has. Tell her that her behavior at dinner was really sweet and that the family at wouldn’t be complete without her. Some days it’s harder than others to point out the good in people but even on those days.. It’s very important. I know you think your daughter is amazing! Does she know it? Families love each other, even when they are unlovable.

Building Trust and Honesty with your Teenage Daughter
There are many life skills that we need to teach our children before they become adults and venture out on their own. One of them is Trust and Honesty. It seems as though this particular lesson needs to be revisited and will be tested as your child e
Teenagers: How much Freedom is too Much?
If teenagers were mature enough and responsible enough to make good choices on their own, they would be on their own. They are still considered children for a reason. There are many important lessons they still need to learn and they need your protec

DON’T

Pigeon Hole your daughter.

Teenage years are filled with changes. Your daughter is not the same little girl anymore. Her interests and strengths are changing so you have to pay close attention to keep up. Don’t assume that she wouldn’t like something just because she never did before. If she wants to wear a dress but she’s always been a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl, encourage it. Don’t tease her for it. If she mentions playing a sport or dance lessons don’t laugh and tell her how clumsy or lazy she has always been. Your daughter is trying to figure out where her interests and talents are so she needs to try different things. Her home and family is supposed to be safe and judgment free. You may tell her you’re “just kidding” or whatever but the fact is those negative comments hurt deeply and alter the way she views herself. You’re really making her afraid to try new things in an attempt to keep your little girl. It’s selfish. Don’t judge her or make her feel stupid to try new things, praise her for it! It takes courage to step out of the comfort zone.