I've been reading several "how to parent teens" books lately and I've noticed something. At least 90% of the typical teen issues are school induced. Most, if not all, of the insecurities surrounding the teen years are caused by peer pressure. I was reading about how your six-year-old will hold your hand when you go places together, but your 9 and 10-year-old definitely won't. Um, mine do. My 12-year-old still holds my hand when we go places together. Nobody's telling her to be embarrassed by mom.
My 14-year-old doesn't come sobbing to me about every new pimple. Nobody's making fun of her pimples or making her feel ugly because she has a little bump on her nose.
Now I understand why all the homeschool moms of teens brag about how great the teen years are! I get it! They're maturing and you can talk to them like adults. It really is great!
I must say, however, there is one "how to parent preteens" book that I am absolutely loving. And despite what you might think of the authors of Babywise, I strongly encourage all moms of 8-12 year-olds to check this book out:
It teaches you how preteens think (or don't! lol), how they're changing and maturing, and how you can move them from obedience to responsibility. In other words, how to teach your child to think for himself. (If you're anything like me, you've been dying to know how to do this!)
I think you'll really like it.
4 comments:
Ginger, it's because I trust your judgment that I'm gonna check this out. LOL
His BabyWise books made me cringe (although I do have friends who LOVE his methods and won't use anything else).
We're entering those preteen years, so we'll see how it goes. :)
BTW I replied to you about Little Giant Steps. I keep meaning to e-mail, but keep forgetting! Ack!
I have four teens (and four Littler ones) and I'm loving it! When all of the children were little, I heard over and over, "Just wait until their teens!" in a warning tone. My standard answer was, "They are exceptional now and will be then, too." And they are!
Don't put all public-schooled teens into one category. I've known plenty who are amazingly mature.
Jennifer,
Reread my post twice to see what you were talking about. I never mentioned public schools. ;)
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