Touch base with your child regularly, even when it seems like everything is going smoothly. Make a point of letting your child know what’s going on in your life and find out what he or she is up to.
You get respect when you give respect. Amazingly, people often show more courtesy to strangers than to members of their own family. Even small things like saying “please” and “thank you” set the tone.
Make sure your child knows you don’t take them for granted. Acknowledge special efforts and everyday things -- whether it was working hard on an assignment or picking up a sibling school.
Say you care. If your family isn’t the type that does this a lot it may feel awkward, but it means a lot to youth. Tell your child that you care about them, and do it regularly.
If your child has a bad day, give them a shoulder to lean on. Even though your child wants to be a grown-up, they still need your support. If they want you to give them space, that’s fine -- and normal. Just make sure they know you’re there for them if they want to talk.
No one likes constant nagging. Before you criticize your child, count to ten and see if it’s really necessary. If there are things you do that irritate your child, see if you can avoid them.
People don’t respect others who believe they can do no wrong. If you make a mistake, be willing to admit it. Your child is more likely to trust you if they know that you admit when you get something wrong.
Or at least try. Don’t let the everyday grind weigh down your relationship. Joking around once in a while with your teen encourages a positive relationship.
