If you're anything like I was when my sons and daughters were young, your plan was just to raise your kids to be happy, healthy, responsible, independent adults.
And if you're anything like I was when some of them started running out of control, you're wondering how the hell you can even think about such lofty goals when you're struggling to keep your sanity and somehow hold things together.
(If you want some idea of how out of control my life was, read about it here!)
First some reassurance:
- There's nothing wrong with you.
- There's nothing wrong with your child.
- You're not alone.
- You're in the right place.
- I can help!
The first thing you have to do when life with your teen is spiralling out of control is to take a step back. This is called "disengaging."
Disengaging does not mean disengaging from your kid. Disengaging means disengaging from power struggles and any discussion of "hot topics": chores, curfew, school and homework, violence, sibling rivalry, drugs, choice of friends, lack of motivation, house rules, lack of respect, etc.
For one week (or as long as you can stand), give yourself permission to not nag, remind or complain about any of the things your kid does that drive you crazy. Do this for one week only! Then get back to me and let me know how it went.
Most parents, when they hear this plan, say, "But that's like telling them it's okay to behave that way! They'll think I approve - AND I DON'T!"
Seriously? Do you really believe your kid doesn't know what you think?!
Chances are you've been nagging, reminding and complaining for quite some while now. What results are you getting?
Is there anything you can say at this point that you haven't already said 100 times before? If so, say it now and get it over with. Then get on with this plan. After all, you have nothing to lose by trying this, do you?
Note: I'm not asking you to commit to this for a lifetime. This is a one-week experiment. That's all. Keep breathing!
In the next instalment, I'll give you a simple remedy to help you reduce the greatest barrier to trying something new: worry.
And over the next few weeks, I'll introduce you to my kids (all 6 of them!) and, with their permission, post pictures of them.
Looking for a parent support group? If you live in the GTA, check out APSGO (The Association of Parent Support Groups in Ontario Inc.). This group saved my life and sanity. It's amazing!
I plan to update this blog regularly, so send questions and comments and stay tuned! I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
