One of the toughest times in parenting is when your teen rebels. Here a few tips that might help:

  • Reassess your rules. Then write out a contract with non-negotiable consequences, and have your teen sign it.

  • Set aside a specific time each day to ensure your teen receives positive attention.

  • Care for yourself, nurture your relationship with your spouse and stay united in your decisions concerning your adolescent.

  • If necessary, find a Christian therapist or pastor who understands teens. If your child will not go, consider going yourself to deal with the anger, frustration and heartache that accompany parenting a rebellious teen.

  • Realize that a teen's choices are just that: her choices. Continue to monitor, guide and dissuade with a spirit of love, not guilt.

  • Pray for your child. Ask for God's mercy and protection on her. Pray for wisdom in your parenting practices.

  • Tell your teen every day that you love her.
From Focus on Your Child's Teen Phases, February 2008. Published by Focus on the Family. © 2007 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.

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