Should You Give Your Teen More Freedom?
By Marie Magdala Roker

Teens need their independence, but how can you, as a parent, ensure your child's safety? It’s tough to decide when to give a teenager more freedom. The decision isn't’t easy. When you can rely on your teen behaving responsibly, it may be time to give him or her more freedom.

Although every adolescent is different, there are many experiences common to the teenage years. The most common may be the pull and push between dependence and independence. Adolescents are striving for independence. As teens prepare for adulthood, parents should encourage independence, while making sure their teens don’t drift too far from a positive course.
The teenage years may concern you because there are teens who are engaging in unhealthy behaviors. These concerns make you try to control the behavior of your child.

It is important for you to make consistent rules for your child. It is your responsibility as a parent to provide your child with core life values. You need to think about your own values, look realistically at where your teen seems to be headed, understand what he or she is doing or wants to do, and determine how best to promote his or her safety and growth.

As your child gets older, however, he or she needs to learn to make some of his or her own decisions and life choices. Your child needs the chance to practice good decision-making skills, and to manage new life experiences. You need to give your teen the freedom to do just that. However, your teen must be ready. He or she needs to agree to behave in responsible way.

Your teen needs to show that he or she can handle the freedom and also need to keep you informed of their friends and extracurricular activities. That way, you know when to lend guidance and supervision, and how to support your teen’s progress. You will also be able to offer practical help that will motivate your child to achieve the promise that lies within him or her.

Give your teen an appropriate amount of freedom and independence. Encourage and promote responsibility and good decision- making, offering support and gentle help with difficult decisions. Let your teen know he or she can gain more freedom as responsible behavior is increasingly demonstrated.
Give the respect that you would like to be given. Give credit for his or her knowledge and abilities.

You should believe in your teen; set high standards for him or her, be encouraging, expect him or her to achieve set goals, and provide consistent love and support.

Marie Magdala Roker is a Personal Development Coach and a Certified Breakthrough Parenting Instructor. She is also author of a free ebook: 45 Ways to Be A Better Parent and Raise Well-Balanced and Responsible Kids. You can find out more about her parenting classes and get her free ebook at www.successfulchild.com.