Tee up Your Teen for Success

How often do you help your teen create a plan for the upcoming challenges they face?

You might do this for yourself automatically.

But how often do you walk your teen through this exercise?

Conflict and obstacles can be avoided when you have constructive conversations ahead of time.

Let’s say they are going to their first party. What will they do if they feel pressure to drink or smoke? How will they get home? What is their curfew?

Maybe they are going camping. Do they have the essential items? What is their plan to get homework done? Who do they need to inform they will be gone? 

You might assume your teen has thought through these questions. 

Most likely, they have not.

Helping your teen think through these scenarios ahead of time sets them up for success.

Notice that asking questions about their plans from a place of curiosity is not confrontational.

Resist offering your solutions or telling them what they should do.

This shuts down their listening and robs them of the chance to problem-solve in advance.

Encourage them to share what they are thinking.

“Hey. Pressure to drink, smoke, or hook up with someone can be intense. What are some ways you can stand up for yourself?”

Follow-up with, “What is your plan to get home? What is a reasonable curfew?”

If you’re lucky, they might suggest an earlier curfew time than you were thinking!

If their answer is unreasonable, try to reach a compromise. 

This prevents conflicts between you when they are back home.

Having these conversations in advance teaches your teen to create a plan for upcoming challenges and helps them build critical life skills.

This will calm your nerves and rest assured they will be okay.

Your Coach,
Jeanine

P.S. Do you want access to strategies that will forever change your relationship with your teen? Schedule a complimentary call HERE and let’s get started.

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