• Connect instead of create distance.
• Assist instead of take over.
• Listen rather than lecture.
• Help instead of  leave or give up.
• Explain instead of force.
• Smile more and frown less.

1.   Being Available. Spend as much time together as you can. Listen when your son or daughter asks a question or wants to tell you about something that’s happened. Find things to do and places to go together. Be involved in their education.
2.   Showing Love. Go to his or her school and after-school events, plays or sporting events. Meet with teachers. Do something he or she likes to do – go to the mall, a ball game, or a movie. Start a conversation, ask a question about what’s going on at school or other activities.
3.   Hope. Give your child hope. Help him or her identify goals. Let him or her know that you believe he or she can achieve these goals and you will do whatever you can to help.
4.   Responsibility. Teach him or her to respect themselves and other people. Your son or Help them to understand what will happen if he or she makes bad choices.
5.   Respect. Respect them and expect respect in return. Listen to your son or daughter. Treat their ideas and opinions seriously. Let your son or daughter know that you expect to be treated with respect because you are the parent. Encourage thoughts and development of ideas and opinions.
6.   Eat and Play. Encourage the family to eat well and exercise. Play organized sports, go for a walk, ride bikes, or skate. Take time to sit down and eat together, prepare a meal together.
7.    Rest. Believe it or not teenagers need even more sleep than most adults. Make sure that each age group gets the amount of body rest needed.

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