I know that teens have opinions and feelings about things. I know. I’ve been there. But never did I raise my voice or talk in a disrespectful way to my parents.  What are some ways that we as parents can instruct and disciple our teens in expressing themselves while still being respectful and honoring?

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Posted by EmptyNestMom

Something I didn't do but wish I had: When we were growing up we called everyone "yes, sir" and "no, ma'am". Many southerners still do it today. I have several friends whose kids (and the adults) all refer to people in that way. The kids seem much more respectful than other kids today. Which came first? - that I don't know, but it seems like a great idea and it can't hurt!

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Posted by Homeschooling6

I answered your question regarding switching curriculum in the middle of the year on my blog.

Sorry it's not much help. I tried to see what grades you have and what you are currently using but couldn't find it.

I saw the nice pics of your family and noticed that some of your dc look to be on the younger side. That's a plus if you decide to switch. It would be easie to "catch' up. I don't really like those words.

If you do decide to switch don't get discouraged with all the numbered lesson. Take it one day at a time and eventually you'll be on the last lesson =)

If you still have questions feel free to ask.

Linda<><

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Posted by Homeschooling6

Like EmptyNestMom mentioned. We have dc say, "yes sir, no ma'am" etc.

Blessings,
Linda<><

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Posted by MoreLittleWilsons

Do you let your kids talk to each other with disrespect? Are they allowed to name call, or be snotty to each other? I've never allowed this, right from little kids, they had to speak nicely to each other (I had to teach this.. model it and correct them when they didn't). My husband is always respectful to me, and for the most part only speaks to them respectfully (the teens have done some things that cause dad to get exasperated and he blows it... as do I too..)

If this is a new behaviour - something odd - then look into what's going on in your teens life outside of the house. Are there influences that shouldn't be there? And then before you swoop in and put your foot down and banish the influence, try to get your teen to analyze what this influence is doing, how the influence is damaging your relationship with your teen and ask them which relationship is more important long term - the relationship between parent and teen - or relationship between teen and influence.. Try to get them to choose on their own to banish this influence from their own lives.

The first parenting book I ever read was "Between Parent and Child" by Chaim Ginott. The impression the book left me with was this concept of respect. If you want your children to treat you with respect, you must treat them with respect. Your teen might be behaving like a 2 year old right now, but you must treat your teen as if they were a respectful teen first.. when we model good behaviour.. they will follow. You don't need to respond to abusive behaviour.. and certainly don't own the abusive behaviour and cave to their abuse.. but.. when the way they talk to you is rude, acknowledge that words have been spoken to you.. "mom, you're so stupid, I know how to drive". "yes, teen, I know you know how to drive, and you're a good driver, but right now, I am the leader (authority) and I'll be driving on this trip. Please don't call me stupid, I am your mother."...

life is hard, parenting isn't for the weak.. keep going mom, keep going. You got this far, don't give up. Keep walking it out in God's way, and they'll follow.

Edited by MoreLittleWilsons on Jan. 26, 2009 at 2:19 PM

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