Keep Communication Open
- Show an interest in your child’s activities by asking open-ended questions that limit one-word answers such as “yes,” “no,” and “fine.” Ask your child, “What did you do in gym class today?” along with comments such as “Tell me about school today” to extend conversations and find out more about his life outside the home.
- Know the Where, What, and Who of your child’s life. This will help you keep track of who they are hanging out with and what they are doing. Try to avoid excessive quizzing, badgering or nagging, however.
- Set rules with your child’s input
- Decide on a curfew
- Decide places and activities that are off-limits
- Set realistic and appropriate consequences for broken rules and be sure to follow through when your pre- teen breaks the rules
- Develop a positive relationship with your teen
- Take time to listen to your child talk about concerns and do fun things together
- Learn about your child’s friends and their families
- Encourage your child to grow through participation in sports, clubs, or other interests
- Show your teen you support her and care by letting her know she can always come to you when there is a problem.
