I'm 62 days into parenting a teenager and I've learned one thing.
Consistency is the answer.

What do you do when they won't do what they are told? - consistently discipline them.
What do you do when they are disrespectful? - consistently correct them.
What do you do when they are 'exploring their emotions'? - consistently love them.

A few of my younger friends are recently pregnant and they have shared some of their uncertainties with me. Here's what I added to the above in a recent email to my friend Steve. (just one of my friends named Steve with pregnant wives.)

While I end with consistency every day, for you... I'm guessing that you'll start with consistency every day.
What is the consistency of their poop?
What is the consistency of their food?
What is the consistency of their sleep?

... just guessing.

Like I've got the experience to share wisdom?

1 Comments:

 Craig said...
My friend, having come from a step dad / step son relationship let me give you a piece of advice. And I'm saying this with all sincerity and honesty.

As the step parent when the discipline come from you it will - and I really mean this - create resentment over time. I've been with discussion groups with other step children and that feeling crosses gender, racial and economic lines. The discipline must come from his Mom with you in a supporting role.

This advice is supported by countless experts - I can tell you my relationship with my step dad was very strained during my teen years. It wasn't until I was an adult I had a better understanding about why I felt the way I did.

My advice, be his friend and his Mom's best source of support.
8:28 PM, March 04, 2009

 

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