How to Set Boundaries for Teens

Although they aren't really children anymore, teenagers lack the maturity to always make good decisions on their own. Firm guidance from parents is what teenagers require to successfully reach adulthood. Setting boundaries for your teens is an essential part of parenting. Here are guidelines

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Establish rules and consequences. Parents need to make the boundaries clear for their teens. Writing them down in the form of a contract is a good idea. Let your teenager know in advance what the consequences will be for breaking each rule.

2. Hold the line. Teenagers are likely to test their boundaries, so parents need to maintain discipline. You must employ the consequences when your teen breaks rules; teens need to get used to the "no exceptions" facts of adult life.

3. Reinforce positive messages. Teenagers are going through a difficult stage of development. They feel conflicting pulls and tugs all the time. Parents should reinforce the positive to keep a teen growing and developing within certain boundaries. Tell him you love him as often as you can.

4. Share responsibility. Part of setting boundaries for teenagers is helping them learn to eventually set their own boundaries. Parents should discuss the reasons for the limits they put on their teen. Let her know some of the responsibilities that go with setting boundaries.

5. Lead by example. Parenting teenagers is a little like managing a workforce. Demonstrating acceptable behavior is sometimes more important than simply telling them what to do. Teenagers won't accept the "Do as I say, not as I do" argument easily. Boundaries you set for your teen should show him examples of how things work in the adult world.

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[CrazyAce]

on 3/21/2008 Boundaries start from birth. If you haven't started setting them early, don't even try.