Positive Parenting sponsored by Healthy Families Tifton

Tips for Parents with Teens (Ages 11-19)

Cool-Down Time: When teenagers become angry or frustrated, they may not be able to solve the problem of misbehaving right away. If teenagers are upset, teach them how to take time to calm down before they handle the problem. Treat this as a time to themselves, not a punishment for misbehaving. Encourage them to find a quiet spot. When they are calmer, help them find a positive way to solve the problem.

Loss of Privilege: This may be used when teenagers have broken family rules, refused to obey appropriate parental requests or have misused objects such as the family car. They may lose the privilege of watching television for one night, or may lose the privilege of going out for one night.

Restitution: This tactic essentially means that teenagers have to "make good" for an act they have committed. For example, if a teen breaks something on purpose, parents might require the teen to pay for the broken object out of his/her savings.
Restitution may also mean the teen is required to do extra chores around the house. Restitution is an effective consequence with junior and senior high adolescents.

Other Tips:

• Do not preach or criticize.
• Negotiate disagreements.
• Negotitate solutions such as curfews and chores.
• Teens need praise as much as children do.
• Use specific praise for things such as trying hard, improving, being cooperative, presenting a good appearance and academic success.

Few teens will disagree that there must be some rules for them to follow and most will follow them and act responsibly if they are allowed to have a role in setting the rules.