Teens

Dear Maryln,

I work in a residential treatment program for elementary through teenaged children. Do you have any advice for how to handle teenagers? God bless you and your ministry.

Sr. Mary Catherine

Hi Sister Mary Catherine,

Did you know that in some countries there is no teen rebellion? They don't know they are "supposed to rebel" so they don't.

The same important measures that work for younger children also work for teens. They need consistency, routine, love, involvement, wisdom, fun. The difference is that they need adults who understand that they are starting to want to think for themselves. They are beginning to define their futures, and they need open-minds in listening to them and gentle guidance helping them, and lots of positive reinforcement for the things they do well.

The book How to Talk to Kids so They Listen, that I wrote, works for all ages. You can get it at our Teacher Boutique on our web site, www.atiseminars.org.

Have an awesome day.
Maryln