Every parent who has seen a child struggle knows the feeling of "parental" failure. What did I do wrong? What could I have done differently? Is my child at risk because of me? As a parent, there is really nothing I want more for my children than for them to be happy, safe and well adjusted - mostly happy, and not in the sense of feeling satisfied because they have things or get to do whatever they want. I want them to experience the happiness I feel just knowing they are my child, my off-spring, my most cherished possession, if you will.
Teen's Must Be Accountable
The transition from Adolescence to Adulthood is a difficult time for most of us. For some young people the urge to develop autonomy before they are truly prepare presents several problems that can arrest their personal development. When the urge to be and act like an adult sans the skills and experience needed, often the results are a reckless adult-like behavior that has potentially life-altering consequences. So what's a parent to do? How do we insure a successful transition for our teenage children?
The answer is simple; do the best you can to love them, teach them values like honesty, personal accountability, kindness, integrity, and self respect. Teach them to love themselves by showing them that YOU love yourself. Be the kind of person you hope they will become. There is an old adage that says, "Teach a child correct principle and let them govern themselves." There is nothing more we can do than allow our children to grow and learn, and sometimes that requires that we let go and allow them to learn from their mistakes. The challenge for us as parents is to keep them safe as they navigate these troubling years of transition. Do all you can, but in the end, it is our children's choice.