It appears that I am falling into the black hole of good intentions. I want to blog everyday, but the reality is that I just don't have time.
I talked with the youth last night and I asked them how can I be a cool parent when Sid, Lillie, and the new baby become teenagers. I want to be a parent that they can feel comfortable talking to and sharing the ins and outs of their life. Do you guys have any suggestions, because they said that a parents involvement should be minimal. And almost all of them said they didn't feel that they could tell their parents everything that is going on in their lives.
So fire back your suggestions. Let me know what has worked for you or maybe what you are planning to do. I want to be all that I can be.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
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2 comments:
Ok, Michael, let's get real for a minute! You are not, nor will you ever, know everything that is happening in your teenager's world! The main thing is to BE THERE! They are going to mess up and make mistakes...some of these things you can help with, some they will have to fall on their faces to learn from! Can you be their friend? Sometimes, but not always, because you have to be the parent.
One thing they begin to realize as teenagers is that you are flawed! (They are quick to point this out!) Be a good listener and don't get hysterical when they share thoughts and feelings that may go against everything you have tried to teach them. Share your opinion...ask them why they think that...9 times out of 10 they already know what your position is on things. But, you have more influence than you think.
Don't expect them to be perfect or to be what you want them to be. Allow them to be themslves...this may require some gritting of teeth and holding of tongue!
They are going to screw up! Be there for them when they fall! Don't be upset if the person they need to talk to isn't you...you aren't objective enough in some cases and it's ok to seek outside help. It may even be a friend or relative that they want to talk to...don't get your feelings hurt by this.
And, most of all...PRAY PRAY PRAY! Hey, there are no cookie-cutter answers! This is just what I have learned along the way...I am still learning! Jen<><
Michael,
Jen has good advice. The one thing I learned was not to ignore that gut feeling that something wasn't right. Of course, Wayne never had that feeling...BUT being the "cool" parent isn't the answer, unless you want to be in the cell along side your teenager.
Like Jen says - pray, pray without ceasing and don't blink because it will all pass by very quickly and you wonder what if.
What new baby????
C
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