Author: Terre Grable As a counselor, I have seen many parents run themselves ragged trying to be "The Perfect Parent" to their teenager. When their efforts fall short and the relationship with their teenager is lacking, many parents can feel frustrated and disappointed. Here are some myth busters of how to be the Perfect Parent. In order to have a good relationship with my teenager, I need to: 1. Spend every waking moment with my teenager Somehow there is a lofty thought that a good relationship with teenagers begins with spending all day, every day with them. As if "Perfect Parents" are the ones that spend all of their free time with their teenagers, filling their days shopping at the mall, or working gleefully together in the back yard. Yes, and no! Spending time with their parents is something that most teenagers really want, and enjoy doing. However, teenagers also crave their independence. It is better to find a time and consistently meet with them,

parenting teenagers is hard work. It can suck the life out of you. Often well meaning parents commit to making positive relationship changes with their teenager without recognizing the time commitment involved. Awesome goals are made in January with the expectation that significant differences will be visible by June. Then, when our hopes are not met we feel inadequate and just give up the fight. Positive and improved relationships do not just happen. They require patience and commitment to see the task through. Article Source: http://www. articlesbase. com/motivational-articles/parenting-mistakes-top-5-reasons-parents-fail-with-new-year-parenting-goals-299351.

Author: Terre Grable As a parent of a teenager, how would you describe your relationship with your teenager last year? Did it go as well as you had hoped? Are there any areas you would like to improve in the New Year? If honesty was required, than I bet every parent of a teenager would agree there is room for growth in their parenting relationship. Whether you are a veteran parent of a teenager or a newbie, here are some practical suggestions of how to improve your relationship with your teenager in the New Year. 1. Make a weekly time to have breakfast The great thing about breakfast is it is usually the only time of the day when it is easy to be on time. No prior meetings can cause delays. No prolonged prior appointments will necessitate a need to reschedule or cancel. Some families find it helpful to find a morning during the week because they are already at home together. Others find a weekend morning better. Why not use this time to catch up on your teenager'

Honesty is always best, especially when parenting teenagers. First, today's teenagers are quite savvy and know when they are being conned. Also, dishonesty only destroys trust, which is something that is needed most during this transitional time. Mistake 2: Avoiding discipline Wherever there is a lack of any discipline, there is manipulation. Dictionary. com provides this definition of discipline, "Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement. " Notice the emphasis on improved character rather than punishment. Mistake 3: Eliminate any structure or routine Divorce is a transitional time for everyone involved. Each person's routine is adversely affected.

Author: Terre Grable As a counselor, I have seen many parents run themselves ragged trying to be "The Perfect Parent" to their teenager. When their efforts fall short and the relationship with their teenager is lacking, many parents can feel frustrated and disappointed. Here are some myth busters of how to be the Perfect Parent. In order to have a good relationship with my teenager, I need to: 1. Spend every waking moment with my teenager Somehow there is a lofty thought that a good relationship with teenagers begins with spending all day, every day with them. As if "Perfect Parents" are the ones that spend all of their free time with their teenagers, filling their days shopping at the mall, or working gleefully together in the back yard. Yes, and no! Spending time with their parents is something that most teenagers really want, and enjoy doing. However, teenagers also crave their independence. It is better to find a time and consistently meet with them,