How effective is your parenting?

Do you find yourself doing too much teaching with your kids?

Do you use words to explain, cajole, lecture, intimidate, advise, or convince?

Do you watch your kid’s eyes glaze over as soon as you open your mouth?

Do you offer lots of unsolicited advice?

Are you convinced that if you just explain a LITTLE MORE your kid will eventually succumb to your good parenting and change?

Do you find yourself managing too many details of your kids’ lives?

Do you know all about every homework assignment?

Do you find yourself getting more involved in your kids’ schoolwork than they are?

Do you obsess about curfews, cleaning of rooms, grooming and piercings, friendship choices, instant messaging, web surfing, telephone usage, and clothing choices?

Do you work at modeling your values to your kids?

Do you primarily model on issues like clothing choice, church attendance, grooming habits, table manners, and social priorities, forgetting about other, more important modeling — like healthy, intimate relationships and good conflict resolution skills?

Do you fail to allow your kids to experience negative consequences of their actions?

Do you often get your kids out of trouble, finish their homework, run last-minute errands, resolve their disputes for them, and generally race around trying to keep their kids from failing or experiencing any appreciable degree of discomfort?

When was the last time you rushed a forgotten lunch to school, ironed a teen’s shirt when he’s running late, or helped your child complete a school project she “forgot about”?

Parenting a teen in today’s complex world can be a challenge. Many parents come to us feeling discouraged and overwhelmed.

Take the LifeWorks Challenge! Give up your old habits and get yourself some new skills! At Lifeworks, our counselors are ready to help. Call today!

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Recommended reading on Adolescence

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Resource links on Adolescence: