Hang out with 140 teenagers, and you will hear lots of stories about being grounded, missing social events, getting your phone and car keys taken away. What these kids are looking for is freedom! They are ready to spread their wings and see if they can fly. As parents we want to protect them. However, what we should be doing is training them and then testing them to see if they are ready for more responsibility. many of them are.
After spending three hours with their parents yesterday, we gave these teenagers a condensed version of "Life in the Zone" and explained that the freedom they yearn for is within their reach. The more leadership they show and the more information they volunteer to their parents, the higher the level of trust increases.
They won't be perfect, but as parents we must PREPARE them as much as we PROTECT them. The day will come when we no longer need our input, advice, or permission. In that moment, we should all have confidence that we gave them all they need to make the best decisions for themselves.
After spending three hours with their parents yesterday, we gave these teenagers a condensed version of "Life in the Zone" and explained that the freedom they yearn for is within their reach. The more leadership they show and the more information they volunteer to their parents, the higher the level of trust increases.
They won't be perfect, but as parents we must PREPARE them as much as we PROTECT them. The day will come when we no longer need our input, advice, or permission. In that moment, we should all have confidence that we gave them all they need to make the best decisions for themselves.
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