5 Basic Tenets of Parenting Teens

1. Love and Connect—offer support and acceptance while affirming the teen’s increasing maturity

2. Monitor and Observe—Let teens know you are paying attention

3. Guide and Limit—Uphold clear boundaries while encouraging increased competence

4. Model and Consult—Provide continual support for decision making, teaching by example and ongoing dialogue

5. Provide and Advocate—provide a supportive home environment and a network of caring adults

**ideas collected over the years from my experience in therapy with teens, parenting my own kids, and reading about adolescence.