7 Comments

Good advice. Kowtowing to children- in my experience they are the first to run away from “home”- children beg for discipline and oftentimes, when this doesn’t “fit” the parents’ desires, (disciplining is hard work), acting out is almost a given response. Fear may creep in… Keep doing your good work!!

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Mariamne, you make an important point about the need for discipline.

What strategies have you found effective in balancing discipline with love and support in parenting?

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This is great advice, David- my mental health would certainly have benefitted if the adults in my life had taken this approach.

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as they move through the changes in their body toward adulthood, you must listen 80% and talk 20%. their minds are very full and need someone they can trust to really deeply listen. Answer questions honestly and as you would talk to an adult. Listen full... not thinking about forming your answers until they ask the question. Examples from your life help. Let them download... its overloaded in those brains and hearts...

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Tell them a huge number of teens get hit with depression in college. As I did my freshmen year.

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Yes indeed. Thank you so much. And it’s important for peers or parents to encourage them to get help when that occurs rather than try to tough it out.

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So very well said. Thank you so much for your engagement and support!

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