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Anyone have a teenager?

bridesrighthandbridesrighthand member
in Pre-School and Daycare
We are going to be raising my 16 yo nephew, starting immediately.  He's not a troubled kid, great kid, so thath's not a worry....just wanted teen advice.  TIA.
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Re: Anyone have a teenager?

  • ali2005jasonali2005jason
    You might be able to get more responses on the School Aged board or Parenting. I'm not quite there yet Wink
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  • Mysterious_wifeMysterious_wife member
    There are a handful of mom's on BOTB.  Also check Parenting after 35. 
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  • kada626kada626 member
    Wow, I hope it goes well. I don't have a teen but I have a million cousins. They eat a ton & a lot of them are messy. Make sure you teach him to clean up after himself right away.  
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  • brittneycc1982brittneycc1982
    My 14 year old cousin stayed with my parents the entire summer.  He was GREAT with my girls so he spent a lot of time at my house.  The DO eat A LOT! Lol I think there is a fine line between being a parent/guardian and a friend.  They need someone to guide them, but be there and be understanding too.  I have a teenage sister, so I can relate to teen topics, but I always feel like I have to guide her and give her advise, rather than being completely buddy-buddy with her.  It bugs her, but later on she appreciates it. GL : )
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  • Mrs.HubbardMrs.Hubbard
    I teach 8th grade so I have about 130 of them LOL!  I don't guess I know much about having them at home though... Good luck I admire you for doing it.
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  • KUJayhawkBrideKUJayhawkBride
    WOW! I don't know a dang thing about parenting a 16 yo, but best of luck to you. 
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  • howleyshellhowleyshell member

    Step mom to a 15 yr old here (he lives with us 50% of the time).

     

    The list of advice would fill a book.

     

    Is there anything in particular you're concerned about?

     

    My best bit of advice is to turn the TV off.  Once the little guys are in bed it's time for us to play cards together, etc.  We talk with him and LISTEN.  We listen a LOT.  Don't be afraid of long silences.  Wait for it and chances are he'll let you in bit by bit.

    We have movie night every weekend but during the week we do not have the television on.  At all.  It's amazing how much more quality time you spend together when the TV isn't a family member. 

    Make time together as a family each night.  Go for walks after dinner, etc.

    Give him some responsibility.  Help him feel needed and a part of things without feeling nagged.  Consider some kind of rewards system like an allowance or itunes gift card for chores, etc. 

    One of our biggest challenges is finding things on the weekend that the 15 yr old enjoys but that also entertains the young ones.

    Hiking is our #1 family activity on weekends now because it works for all of us.

     

    Try to smile a lot.

    Try to make home a "fun" place so he actually wants to be there (even though he'd NEVER admit it to his friends!).

    Take an interest in his interests.  Listen to his music.  Let him teach you about what he's passionate about.

     

    That's about all I've got for a quickie post!

     

     

    Our IF journey: 1 m/c, 1 IVF with only 3 eggs retrieved yielding Dylan and a lost twin, 1 shocker unmedicated BFP resulting in Jace, 3 more unmedicated pregnancies ending in more losses.
    Total score: 6 pregnancies, 5 losses, 2 amazing blessings that I'm thankful for every single day.
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  • bridesrighthandbridesrighthand member

    Howleyshel, you totally rock!  Thank you so much, wonderful advise!  I might be pm'ing you for more tips. :)

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