The teenage years can be a challenging time. Even though your child is still the same sweet darling who was wearing diapers just a few short years ago, they are now a hormonal ebb and flow of transforming emotions.
As a parent, it’s your job to help guide them through this confusing time. Although it may seem like they were just born yesterday, it won’t be long until they are adults in society. Teaching them the value of responsibility is a valuable tool which they can carry on to their adult life.
Here are some of the best ways to instill responsibility in them, and help them prepare to be adults.
Set Clear Rules With Consequences
As teenagers, they will be given more and more freedom. It’s an age when they begin to have later curfews, and may even start driving. It’s vital that they understand that these freedoms come along with certain rules. If the rules are broken, they will be met with consequences.
Driving a car, for example, is a serious matter. Failing to respect the rules could result in getting into a car accident which could, in turn, lead to a potential lawsuit, or worse, serious injury. Be sure to explain clearly why the rules are in place. Otherwise, spelling out rules with no reason behind them may result in rebelliousness.
Reward Them
Teenagers, much like smaller children, thrive off of positive reinforcement. Teach them the value of hard work paying off. Once they see that their hard work comes with rewards, they’ll have more motivation to stay on a good path.
This isn’t to be confused with bribery. Unlike bribery, reward is a fair trade based off of earning their reward, not being paid off.
Give Them Chores
Giving your teen chores doesn’t just help you out; it also gives them a sense of responsibility. As a member of society, they should realize that it’s important to contribute to the greater whole.
Having a list of to-do’s is a way of showing them that nothing in this life is free. As a member of the household, they are expected to contribute to what it takes to keep things running.
Provide Options
A big reason why teenagers rebel is because they feel like they are still treated like children. They are eager to be young adults and crave being given more freedom and respect. Therefore, it can be helpful to provide them with the opportunity to make choices for themselves and contribute to family decisions.
Life is a series of choices, so setting them up to be confident decision makers from a young age can be incredibly beneficial for their growth.
