10 Things Your Teen Wants You to Know (But May Not Tell You)
1. Please don’t give me everything I want. Saying no shows me you care. I appreciate guidelines.
2. Don’t treat me as if I were a little kid. Even though you know what’s "right", I need to discover some things for myself.
3. Respect my need for privacy. Often I need to be alone to sort things out and daydream.
4. Never say, "In my day…". That’s an immediate turn off. Besides, the pressures and responsibilities of my world are more complicated than they were when you were my age.
5. I don’t pick your clothes; please don’t criticize mine. We can disagree and still respect each other’s choices.
6. Refrain from always rescuing me; I learn most from my mistakes. Hold me accountable for the decisions I make in life; it’s the only way I’ll learn to be responsible.
7. Be brave enough to share your disappointments, thoughts and feelings with me. (By the way, I’m never too old to be told I’m loved.)
8. Don’t talk in volumes. I’ve had years of good instruction; now trust me with the wisdom you have shared.
9. I respect you when you apologize for a thoughtless deed or word on your part. It proves that neither of us is perfect.
10. Set a good example for me as God intended you to do. I pay more attention to your actions than your words.
– Dr. Kevin Leman
