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Tip #5:  LOOK FOR STRENGTHS

If things are so tough right now that nothing comes to mind, don’t worry.  You’re not alone!  This is often the hardest tip to follow because we are so caught up in worry and fear, but this is one of my favorite things to do!

• Look back to photos of happier days.  Allow your heart to fall in the love with the younger version of your teenager.  Remember their strengths.
• Become a curious observer.  Look for what other people see and value.
• Ask friends and teachers what strengths they see in your child.

You may have to do some digging, but I promise you, goodness is there.  Your job is to find it.

I was in a session with a family when the son said to his parent,

“Do you know how good you have it?  Really, I’m a much better kid than you think.  Trust me.  I’m surrounded by people at school doing way worse things than I am.  I wish you could see that!”

Our teenagers aren’t perfect, but neither are we.

The greatest gift we can give is to communicate to our teens that we love them; NO MATTER WHAT.  Start that process today by experimenting with one of these 5 tips.  It is never too late.