CITIZENS RALLYING FOR CHANGE ON ALCOHOL

ph:

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN

When you are speaking to a young person, keep in mind that at one time that you were that age, too, and that nobody young or old likes to be talked down to. Remember how you wanted older people to treat you, and act accordingly.

Pointers
Don't make a young person feel that he or she is stupid. Instead, try to pay attention to what your child is saying and respect what's on his or her mind. Try to answer any questions as best you can, and not in a condescending manner.
Try hard not to try to relieve your life through your child or children. In other words, don't try to force your daughter to become a cheerleader just because you missed out on it...make sure that is what she wants to do. Don't force your son to play football or baseball just because you love sports, or missed out in participating in sports. Listen to what they may be interested in.
Don't force your children to study to the point that they haven't any time at all for themselves. They need to have some time to enjoy being young; as long as they are doing their homework that should be good enough.
Speak to your child honestly about alcohol and drugs; be careful on how you speak to them about it...don't preach and don't glamorize your alcohol/drug days; allow for conversation, give them persmission to ask questions. You'll be letting them know that you are concerned without being overbearing.
Speak to your children honestly about sex. Be sincere, and answer any questions that might arise.
If your child is having trouble in school, listen to your child about how he or she feels about the problem. If there is a problem with a certain teacher, your child may work better on a one to one basis; he or she may need more explaining about a subject, than the teacher is taking the time to give. Go to school and meet the teacher in question.
Don't knock your child if they don't get all A's. As long as your child does his or her best, a few B's or C's are not a big deal. A younger person may not be good in one subject, but great in another. When you see a lower grade on your child's report card, simply ask, "Are you putting forth your best effort on this subject?" If the answer is yes, tell your child to do the best that he or she can.
Don't try to be cool. It forces you to be something you're not and your child will see right through it.
Don't constantly talk about how things were "in your day", or complain about how things are now, or go around saying how things should be the way they were when you grew up. The fact is, things aren't the way they were when you were young and complaining won't change that.

Tips

Try to be of help with your child's studies. You should be able to tell if they need help.
It is sometimes hard trying to be a parent and friend to your child at the same time. It is very important to listen like a friend, but respond like be a parent.
If you want to spend some quality time with your son or daughter, ask what they might enjoy doing together. Don't try acting cool, like going to a Rock Concert, unless you do enjoy that kind of thing (and above all, don't use their slang words. Learn them so that you understand what they're talking about, but don't try to sound like a kid). You may want to suggest going to see a movie that may be interesting to both of you; plus there's bowling, or even going to the park, maybe for a nice bike ride...take a picnic lunch. Activities your child is good at are a great choice.
Agree to disagree on some issues that become circular arguments. You don't need to impose your food tastes, musical choices, personal opinions of actresses or politicians on young people. They may have good reasons of their own to disagree and fighting over trivial issues just ruins both of your day. Drop the topic of that lousy movie or book the kid adores once you've had one thorough discussion on it.

Web Hosting by Yahoo!

ph:

CITIZENS RALLYING FOR CHANGE ON ALCOHOL

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN

Pointers