Teen parenting success is based on parents being leaders. Being a leader as a parent is most difficult, especially in the blended family because our kids see our mistakes on a regular basis. Out in the world, when we are a leader, our personal foibles are not seen as openly as they are seen in the home.

In addition to our mistakes they see us in situations they often don’t fully understand. They don’t fully understand them because we don’t fully understand them either. One thing I do fully understand is that if my actions don’t reflect what my talk is then my value as a leader is diminished.

The art of teen parenting, is figuring out what to tell about our issues to our teens so it empowers them not to make the same mistakes we have made. In blended families, it is extra complicated because there are 4 parents often. When discussing personal family issues with your teens you need to share some of your weaknesses and then share with them some of the conclusions you have come to.

It is important to be strong because you need to be able to realize that some of your conclusions may not be right and to tell your teens that. The next step is to hear what they have to say about how they feel or whether they care. After this, let them know that this is what being an adult is all about and that their success in life will be related to how they deal with similar issues.

In closing, in teen parenting in or out of the blended family, make sure to let them know, that no matter what, you love them to death and you will always be there for them.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bocknek

The Problem Solving Expert for Parents and Families

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Dr. Robert Bocknek is the problem solving expert for marriage, parents and families at www.takebackthehome.com and www.keyboard-culture-parenting.com.  He can be reached at bocknek@takebackthehome.com. He is author of the “Take Back the Home course” and the “Learning how to Learn course” which can be seen at www.takebackthehome.com.

     

More on Topics: Blended Family, Teen Parenting

Tags: Blended Family, Teen Parenting

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