What percent of the cost should teenagers (ages 13-17) pay for their own cell phone and service?

Blog Purpose

Raising children is a full-time, life-time endeavor, and just because your children leave the nest, your role and influence continue. However, many challenges (generally uninvited ones) appear from time to time.

This blog is designed to informally explore both the joy and possible adversity that accompanies the raising of a family, and by doing so, provides some possible solutions to improving family relationships. It started with the idea of trying to be more self-reflective on my own experiences as an imperfect parent, but I thought others could benefit and share ideas on the topics as well. Although the focus in on parenting, most of the postings apply just as well to any relationship, including siblings and especially those who are dating. Visitors are invited to share their thoughts and opinions on the topic.

Posts are moderated only to filter spam and unrelated/inappropriate content, but all opinions on the topic of this blog are respected and invited.

Friday, March 9, 2012

"I love you!"

"Dad, you're the best father in the whole world. Let's talk."

Uh-oh. I can feeling something coming . . . "Okay, what do you want?"

I shouldn't always assume that my children have some pre-planned agenda when they come and lavish praises on my such as these, but I am often correct in anticipating that something is coming. My kids often don't mind trying, realizing that my answer will often be "no."
  • "No, I'm not buying another family car."
  • "No, I don't think everyone needs an iPad."
  • No, I'm not going to take you out to dinner tonight."
  • "No, I won't do your chores. Just because I won't clean the bathroom for you doesn't mean I don't love you."
This said, there are many times when we can and should say YES:
  • "Yes, you can come and talk to me any time of day or night."
  • "Yes, I made a mistake, and I'm sorry."
  • "Yes, you are right, and I am wrong."
I often have to suspend judgement before I leap to a conclusion on why my kids tell me they love me. I many cases, they simply mean it. 


Randall




Posted by Randall Davis at 5:02 PM

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Copyright, Terms of Use, and Disclaimer

All of the content posted here copyright (c) 2010 by Randall Davis and licensors, all rights reserved; however, the text content can be printed and used for personal use. The content cannot be reposted on other Web sites or in other printed or digital media including books and magazines without permission. Individual posts by other submitters remain their respective property.

The information posted here is not designed in any way to take the place of counseling and treatment from qualified medical professionals. If you feel you are in need of expert advice or seek medical help, consult with professionals in your area.