The Good Thing About Being the Bad Guy, Part 2

Action #4: Give them the reassurance they long for

One of the most crucial things our kids need during the turbulent teenage years is our steady presence, affirmation, and our reassurance of our love and care for them – even when they make the inevitable mistakes. And both of those things go a long way toward the (secret) goodwill that allows a child to truly want the parent to keep hold of the reins for a while. (As noted in part one, see Chapters 4 and 5 of For Parents Only for more detail on what that looks like.)

Now, sometimes (as with the Aaron and April example above), it simply isn’t possible to be as present as we want to be. But, we can all find ways to affirm our kids. Encouraging words are like fuel for your child’s heart. (For some examples tailored to tweens as well as teens, consider these phrases that will make your child’s day.)