Raising a teenager

The upbringing of a child is one of the most important responsibilities in a parent's life. When a child is young, they look up to you and cherish the things you do for them. As they grow into their teenage years, they start to distance themselves from you, relying more on their friends for support. What do you do next? As a parent, it is important to understand that you have to keep communicating with your teen. Set boundaries and remain an important part in their lives. Here are a few tips to help you maintain a healthy relationship with your teen.

• Adjust to your teenager. As your child becomes a teenager, it's important to understand that things are going to change. Instead of wanting to stay out until it gets dark, they'll want to stay out all night. Your teen will also create a new identity, and become more self-conscious
• Get involved. Most parents get pushed aside by their teenagers. Stay firm by setting curfews and making sure homework gets done.
• Remember, you were a teenager too. Try and relate to your teen. Listen to other teenagers and find out the dangers and issues teens face in today's world.
• Be honest with your teen. Let them know that it's ok to fail in life, and that we all have are ups and downs, even as adults. By being honest, your teen will learn to trust you.
• Spend time with your teen. Participate in the things your teenager likes to do. If they love music, take them to a concert to see their favorite band. If they love sports, take them to see their favorite team. By doing this, you will learn a lot about your teen.
• Don't take it personal. There will be times when your teen will be unruly and you will want to punish them. Teenagers go through several mood swings, and something might have happened to them at school, or they may have relationship problems. These are things that can stress them out. Ask them if there is a problem. Encourage them to come to you for advice or support.
• Show and tell them how much you love them. Even when your teen acts rude to you, remember they will not always be teenagers. Teenagers are just trying to figure out who they are, and sometimes it's frustrating for them. However, they need all the love and support from their parents.

As a parent, you never want your children to grow up. Just yesterday you were holding their hand while walking them across the street, and now they're asking you to take then to a party or if they can drive the car. The truth is, they're growing into adults. This may be your chance to get closer to your child, as you can talk to them on an adult level.

"If Only I Had Teeth Down There." Is the Rapex Condom a Solution to Rape?

WIN a year's supply of Contact Lens Cases