Mistakes We Make in Raising Tweens and Teens

Most of us at some time or another wonder if we’re on the right track in that most-important job we call parenting.  I found an article that outlines, in a few short paragraphs, 5 mistakes parents make.  To whet your appetite…#1 is the mistake of Expecting the Worst.  Interestingly,  “Raising teenagers with negative expectations can actually promote the behavior you fear most.  According to a recent study conducted at Wake Forest University, teens whose parents expected them to get involved in risky behaviors reported higher levels of these behaviors one year later.”  Later in the article, parents are advised, however, not to ignore the “big stuff.”  I don’t know about you, but to me it’s quite a balancing act…being savvy about all the risks and temptations facing our kids, while at the same time expressing confidence in their ability to make good choices.  My takeaway?  Let’s keep at it…we love them too much to think we’ve got it all figured out and can sit back on our heels and rest.