TIP 1: MODEL POSITIVE BEHAVIOR.
Teens watch parents’ behavior to determine how they should conduct themselves; therefore, it is important parents model appropriate behaviors and self-confidence.

TIP 2: SPEND TIME WITH YOUR TEENS.
Become involved with your teens; for example, use mealtime as an opportunity to spend time together.

TIP 3: COMMUNICATE WITH TEENS.
Talk with them about their goals, conflicts, friends, and other issues they may have. It is important to keep communications open, as well as to ask openended questions. This will give more opportunity for discussion, and for your teens to think about issues. Let your teens do most of the talking and show you are listening by making eye contact. Teens are very aware, and can tell when others are paying attention.

TIP 4: HELP TEENS WORK THROUGH CONFLICTS.
Listen to them when they talk about their issues, assist with problem solving, and provide viable solutions.

TIP 5: ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE.
Realize when your teen is becoming independent and provide guidance and encouragement. Encouraging independence will increase responsible behavior.

TIP 6: PROVIDE POSITIVE FEEDBACK.
Recognize positive traits, let teens know they are capable of achievement, and provide positive responses for accomplishments and efforts.

TIP 7: SUPPORT AND MONITOR ACTIVITIES.
When teens are involved in activities, they are less likely to get into trouble. Encourage their involvement in activities, and be familiar with what they are doing.

TIP 8: ASK FOR OPINIONS.
Encourage teens to have and voice opinions. This will help them build autonomy and increase self-esteem.

TIP 9: SET LIMITS.
Set rules, but be flexible. Teens do not want limits set, but they still need them.

TIP 10: TURN MISTAKES INTO LEARNING EXPERIENCES.
Teens will make mistakes; the important thing for parents is to help turn them into learning experiences. Punishing a teen for a mistake without an explanation will increase the chances that the same incident will happen again. Remember, your teenager is learning and growing, and needs guidance.