The idea of having one or more children in their teenage years often strikes fear in the heart of a father. Here are the main things a dad needs to know to be a successful father of teenagers.
A recent study suggested that teens whose parents don't pay attention to the rites of passage in a teenager's life have behavior and relationship problems at a greater than expected rate. Learn about your teen's important moments and how to be there at the crossroads.
Part of the teenage experience is a greater level of independence—this is as it should be as they transition into adulthood. Part of that transition is that friends take a preeminent role in their lives—often becoming more important than parents and family. Find out what friends mean to teenagers and how to understand and deal with this change in your family's life.
Success as a teenager is related in large measure to the quality of the friends they choose. Find out ways to encourage your teens to run with the right crowd, and what to do if they are hanging with the wrong friends.
Many dads of teens have been burned with big cell phone bills or have otherwise had problems with cellular phones. Check out ideas from other dads on helping your teen manage and appropriately use cell phones, text messaging and more.
Granted, teens can have lots of friends, but they only have one dad. But you can enhance your friendship with your teen by following some simple steps.
One of the characteristics of a teenager is to communicate long and loud with friends but only communicate in single syllables with parents. Learn from this article what teens wish their dads knew about them, their lives and the struggles of adolescent life.
Also common among teenagers is a changing attitude about money. Many find jobs in their teen years; others are largely supported by their parents. But helping them learn to manage their money, including saving for college and other future needs, is something dads need to do.
Part of this infamous transition to adulthood is learning how to drive and the importance of personal responsibility on the road. Find out what other dads have done to get through this important rite of passage into responsible adulthood.
Another intimidating time in the life of a father of teens is preparing financially for their college experience. Find out
ways to pay for college, and some strategies for
beginning to save now for those expensive years.
Remember when you were a kid? Some homes of your friends were more welcoming to you than the homes of others. If you want your home to be the place where your teens and his or her friends hang out, then follow some simple ideas of make your home more teen-friendly.
