How to Raise a Conscientious Teen

Raising a conscientious teen may be the most difficult part of your parenting career. Instilling a sense of responsibility in your teen may have started many years ago, however it is during the teenage years that people begin to be confronted with morality and the consequences of their actions. Here are a few parenting tips to help you raise a responsible and conscientious teen.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Set goals for your child, so that when they are attained, they can learn the value of hard work. Set expectations that allow the teen to succeed according to his or her abilities. Always set reasonable and attainable goals. If you want your child to be a pro basketball player and they just can't get to the next level, then its time to explore their other natural abilities.

2. Follow through with rules and consequences, to teach your teen responsibility and the cause and effect of their actions. Most parents find it easy to create punishments, but have trouble following through. The "follow through" is one of the most important parts of parenting. If you don't enforce the consequences of your rules, then your teen will learn that they can get away with breaking them.

3. Have discussions with your teen, instead of lecturing them. To raise a conscientious teen you must raise them to be adults, and lecturing them like children only alienates them. With discussion, negotiation and understanding, you can guide your teen while handling their conflicting needs in an adult manner.

4. Praise good behavior. Many parents only point out bad behavior, believing that a job well done is reward enough. However, you should encourage your teen with as much positive feedback as possible. When you set consequences for bad behavior and praise good behavior, the reward for your teen is getting to do the things they normally enjoy.