How to handle a teenager

Teenagers push buttons, that's what they do and they are so good at it!

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• patience

1. Stay close to them, schedule weekly dinners for just them!

2. Drug test them monthly even if they don't do drugs, it will be easier to handle the peer pressure by saying "no, I get drug tested" when they are offered drugs. My kids get drug tested once they start middle school.

3. Stay connected to their friends parents... they will be your best support. Follow up with them frequently. Make sure your teenager is where he or she says she is.

4. Understand that their friends are very important, don't ground them for every little thing, save it for the big stuff! Instead take away their IPOD, driving privilege, and computer usage.

Tips & Warnings

• Teenagers may give you gray hair and unwanted wrinkles!

[evak]

on 5/10/2009 This is so stupid. Drug testing will make teenagers feel untrused and disrespected. Why should they follow your rules or be responsible if you don't trust them anyway?

[NakedWriter]

on 12/7/2008 Good basic information. Thanks!