How Do You Playfully Parent A Teenager?
With a teenager at home, you’ll seldom have a dull moment–there’s always something going on and there’s always something to worry about. It’s natural for you to stress out about your teen, after all you want to protect them the best you can, but you won’t get so frazzled by the ups and downs of your teenager’s daily life when you take the playful approach. Pay attention to timing. Just as a comedian knows that timing is important for delivering a punch line, the same is true in parenting. A playful word at the right time can turn a potential confrontation into cooperation. Develop a playful style. That way you can make your point while letting your teen save face. Try this line: “Sure you can stay out all night, as long as you take me with you.” Lighten up. Life with a teenager is full of surprises and absurdity. If you are serious you will miss it all. Memorize this line: “I know you don’t need me to advise you, but if I don’t act like a parent once in awhile, I think I’m not doing m
