Teenagers- Step #1 for Them to Save You Money, Time and Heartache!
In a previous article I suggested that teenagers can help you, the parent, to save money, time and heartache in a few ways. I few ways that I mentioned were that they can research prices and quality of products, give creative and money saving ideas about how to renovate the house, and can help you to know what is really going on with your younger children. I see in my own life, as well as when working with other parents to deal with their teens, that there are two major barriers that stop us from utilizing this valuable asset.To understand that the true role of a parent is not to know everything and never to be wrong. Learn from the business world that great leaders and great managers are not great because they know everything about their business. (I recently read that the head of a multimillion dollar software company can't write even one line of code!) They are great because they help to bring out the best in their workers and staff. We have to strive to be more directors and less dictators and to bring out the best in our children. You can begin to hear and appreciate what the teen is thinking and saving only after you realize that you are still a great father or mother even if you don't have all the answers on every subject. Secondly we have to appreciate the contradictory nature of teenagers: They are not only impulsive, lazy, and self centered but they are also smart, able to be motivated and can be helpful. (When I think of it, I, and a lot of adults I know, are not much different. I hope, though, that the amounts of each trait are different). They surely lack our life's experience, don't always have the determination look at the whole situation (putting it mildly), and can be pretty obnoxious. However, when they are allowed to say what is on their mind and receive the respect that they think they deserve (no matter how illogical it seems to us) then they can be very helpful and they can be a great asset for us. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that you have to listen to everything they suggest or that you and they have the same one vote. You are the head of the family and you should make the the final mature responsible decision. I'm only suggesting that there is nothing wrong to admit to yourself that they know more about a subject than you do and that it is worth it to listen and hear what they say. When you incorporate these two understanding in your life you will begin to see your teens as a great asset and not only as a liability.
About the Author
Shevach Pepper is the happy father of twelve children and is a family and life coach helping successful people to utilize their business and leadership skills in their personal life. For more information and helpful tips on family issues visit http://www.greatfamilyman.com.
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