instead of sugar

Ways to Balance Your Teen or Preteen

They grow up fast, embrace every moment. Remember you were a teenager too. What did you love? What would you do differently? How would you have liked your parents to handle things with you? Good, bad or in-different. Take yourself back so you can be a great parent going forward.

Three people sitting around a table outside, eating and drinking, with a red and white checkered tablecloth and a rural background of trees and open fields.

LET THEM TALK & listen…

Sit down to enjoy a meal. Maybe sometimes it can be one on one. That may even be a good idea!

It can be like pulling teeth with some, so try harder. Believe me they are worth it!

Make A Reservation
Two hands forming a heart shape around the setting sun during a sunset over the ocean.

sEX - It has to happen. Talk about it. You know how & when.

Teach them boundaries, for life, not just social.

Just Do It
Group of children participating in a tug-of-war game outdoors on a grassy field, with trees in the background.

Summer Camp - Send them away….

I loved it. Helps you grow. Teaches independence & organization. Plus they get to make a whole bunch of new friends! It’s a ton of fun!

Just remember you are probably more nervous than they are.

Summer Camp
Four girls standing in a lush green field, facing away from the camera, making heart shapes with their hands against a blue sky.

Garden, Mow the Lawn, take care of something or someone.

Get into mother earth, embrace the green grass or care for something or someone else. 💚 Help them show their love by sharing what they love with others. Bake, cook, babysit, etc.

Teaching them to be just selfish enough is rather important, don’t give it all away.

Green
A red electric guitar leaning against an amplifier, with a microphone on a stand and pedal effects on the floor in a dimly lit music stage or practice space.

Play an instrument, let the sound out.

Let them learn to mix music. Write a speech or a play….let the sound out! Teach them different ways to use their voice.

Even when they are God awful try to not discourage them if they are trying or enjoy it. They may be proud of themselves too. Maybe I should I post a link to purchase ear plugs.

Make Music