Talking to
Teenagers #3 Expectations
My Favorite Idea:
Be Clear with Expectations.
Parents can expect certain things
of their teenagers, respect, responsibility, and gratitude. Especially if
parents have taught these principles to them when they were young. At one
point, I spelled out our expectations on paper, for our teenage kids, both what
we as parents expected from them, and what the kids could expect from Mark and
I as parents. I read it to them, and we talked about it. And our
teenagers seemed very receptive, as it seemed totally fair to them. It
was food for thought, that Mom and Dad really do a lot for them, and therefore,
can expect a lot from us Then I posted the list on the fridge, and
referred to it, as needed.
Our list went like this:
Our list went like this:
Expectations
Mom and Dad should expect:
1. Chores done every day without being
asked. Saturday work on Saturday done without being asked.
Kids should expect:
1. No nagging if they’ve been doing their
part each day, and each Saturday.
Mom and Dad should expect:
2. Extra help when they’re in a bind and
support for their callings.
Kids should expect:
2. Extra help when they’re in a bind and
support for their callings.
Kids should expect:
3. A respectful request and a kind
response if they’ve tried their best.
Mom and Dad should expect:
3. A respectful answer
Kids should expect:
4. Freedom to learn to manage their
own things and their own time well.
Mom and Dad should expect:
4. Everyone to be at scriptures
because they managed their time well.
Kids should expect:
5. A little rest after school and a snack.
Mom and Dad should expect:
5. Chores done at a reasonable time.
Kids should expect:
6. Food provided.
Mom and Dad should expect:
6. Kids to eat what they are able to
provide and gratitude for it.
Our teenagers were glad to be
treated like responsible pre-adults, with both needs and expectations.
Ideas that worked well for you?
I would love to hear your good idea or experience with this topic. Or your question.