Part 2 - "The Testing Teen"

In part 2, we looked at the testing teen. Most of us will have, or know, families where siblings are like chalk and cheese. One will do everything a parent asks, the other(s) will rebel at every opportunity! Which one were you? Which one are you?

While this section looked at dealing with "diffcult" teenagers, don't forget to affirm and support the "pleaser" who does the washing up without being asked and keeps their room spotless!

Always, always take a second look. Why did your son/daughter react/respond like that? Look at it from their perspective.

Keep them busy (especially in the summer holidays!). One way to do this is to help them identify what they are good at and praise them for it. Make sure that each of your children is good at something different, and that you know what it is! Identifying individual skills helps increase individual dignity.

Choose your battles! When you argue with your teenage son or daughter, give them reasons for why you are saying what you are saying. Accept you will have to concede some battles, but decide which ones you will win, and win them.

Above all, spot the positives and praise them. We all need to be told "that was good" rather than a constant stream of "why didn't you...?" or "you never...." or "you're always forgetting...".