Writer's Blog

Top 3 ways to keep your kiddos out of trouble

Is your child giving you grief? The good news is that you are not the first parent to be searching through your things for the childrearing handbook. Everyone is ready and willing to give you free advice but the truth of the matter is that you get what you pay for. So, what’s a parent to do? Here are 3 tips on how to keep your teenagers out of trouble.

• Know where they are- If your child is getting into trouble at school or with his friends, it’s time to keep a closer watch on what your child is doing. If you are accountable for their time, there is a much better chance that they will stay on the straight and narrow.
• Educate yourself- Know the signs of troubled teens. If you are suspicious that your child might be using drugs, there are signals that you should be aware of. If your child is failing his or her classes, keep in touch with the teachers and know what is happening. Is your child sexually active? There are some signs that you should know. Make sure you don’t miss a thing.
• Listen- Learning how to get your child to talk to you is a very important skill. Be there for him or her when they are in need of some comfort or if they just feel like spilling the day’s events on your shoulders. Often, a parent can learn so much from their children, just by being available for some simple conversation.

So, don’t worry about being able to locate that handbook. Pay attention to what is going on in the lives of your children and you should have a pretty easy walk along life’s bumpy dirt roads. There are many counseling opportunities available in the Dallas area if you need additional reinforcement. Also don’t forget to turn to your school counselor for more information.