They Will Do What You Doby Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger 31 Jan 2010 04:45 PM This is my last word on raising teens. I have been writing on the teens blog for a while now, but am reducing my work here at Families.com, where I will be writing mostly in the frugal blog. I hold a special place in my heart for teenagers, but my advice for parents of teens is simple and straight and can be summed up in one sentence. They will do what they see you doing. I am amazed over and over again when parents are upset when their child has gotten into trouble. So many times in my life, I have seen parents purchase items such as bootleg movies and jeans out of a trunk only to be surprised when their child is arrested for stealing. The thing is, buying from a thief is the same as stealing. So by bringing stolen items into your home, you have taught your child that it is OK to steal. Single mothers move men into the home throughout the life of their child (even if it is only one or two and they are long term relationships). As they are not married, the child sees no problem with having casual relationships. Yet the parent is surprised when the child announces a pregnancy. Parents don't read, refuse to help kids with math, and do nothing to further their own knowledge, still they don't like it when the child won't take education seriously. These are just a few examples of things that we as parents do, yet expect our kids to do better. Chances are, they won't. I am not saying that if you have a child that has gone off the deep end that it is your fault. This isn't true in every case. Some kids have chemical and emotional issues that warp their sense of right and wrong. What I am saying is, if you are doing something questionable, your child is watching you. So you should not be surprised if they do the same. Loving Your Teens Through Problems Parenting - The Hardest Job Out Learn more about Andrea Hermitt  Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children. Relevantparenting tags |
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