Few would argue with the fact that a parent, more than anyone else, should have their child’s best interests in mind. The fascinating thing is, this concern for offspring can manifest in a shocking variety of ways. Everything from old-fashioned “tough love” to excessive leniency can be interpreted as a parent trying to give their child the best life possible. In the 21st century, this overt desire to focus on the wellbeing of the younger generation has led to a common phenomenon: the “enabling parent.” Defining an “Enabling” Parent With so much variation in parenting styles, it’s important to begin with a quick rundown of just what an enabling parent looks like. While the term is flexible in nature — as are just about all … [Read more...]
Boost Your Teen’s Self-Esteem: Encourage When It’s Needed Most
Whether it comes through observing a teen hanging their head at a social gathering, hearing them disparage their ability to do their homework, or noticing them excessively bragging to cover up insecurities, every parent has that moment when they realize their teenager is struggling with low self-esteem. If you’re familiar with the feeling, here are a few tips and suggestions for different ways to approach boosting your fledgling adult’s self-confidence. Encourage the Journey, Not the Destination One of the biggest ways that a parent can suppress and discourage their child is simply by putting unreasonable expectations on them. Start by stepping back and analyzing your own posture towards your child. Are you always pushing them to … [Read more...]
Tips for Teaching Teenagers How to Drive
Driving is a pretty big rite of passage for teenagers. It increases their independence, widens the scope of their world, and propels them closer to adulthood. However, for parents, teaching teenagers how to drive can be a scary transition. Because so much can go wrong inside a vehicle, it’s important to keep safety in mind while teaching teenagers how to drive. Sober driving, increased awareness, and avoiding distractions are all ways to help teens stay safe behind the wheel. In addition, it can be helpful that they know a little bit about how their car works in case they have mechanical troubles. It’s also good to help them feel confident behind the wheel, which can require a balance between pushing safety and not scaring them out … [Read more...]