I've been talking to parents of teens … thousands of them. Here are some observations and some truths about parents, as I reflect on my conversations with them. Let me know if they ring true to you:
1.) Raising the "wild child" isn’t necessarily more difficult than raising the quiet, un-self-assured child.
2.) Sleepless nights go with the job…if you’re on the job.
3.) Most parents are guessing how to do this right.
4.) Parents are self-conscious and afraid they will be judged.
5.) Parenting experts have problems with their kids, too.
6.) Those parents who squak the loundest (to teachers, coaches etc.) are the most insecure.
7.) For every bad day with your teen, there are several good ones. You just have to notice them.
8.) Kids hate it when parents misbehave.
9.) Teens really do want to have good communication with their parents; they just want to be respected in the process.
10.) In the grand scheme of things, this period will be over rather quickly. Chill. Find the humor. Connect with your teen.
