I expect that every family with teens is worried about making sure their children grow up to be healthy, happy and successful. Alcohol and drugs can ruin that dream. Teenage brain development that is reviewed in our resources page can help you understand that your teen isn’t evil or crazy. They are going through significant biological changes. They don’t always do what’s in their own best self interest. Such is the nature of teen decision making. Not all teens have problems with this change, but many will. Consider us a resource in your efforts to develop that child into a great adult.
We have looked all over trying to see if there was something we could do that would help us guide our teens through this difficult part of their development. We found a study that the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University that struck us. It showed that family dinners make a difference in teen drug use. I think this is an important part of a plan for teen development.
5 Steps to Raising a Successful Teen
- Make family dinners a priority
- Listen to your teens and understand what going on in their life
- Set limits with consequences
- Closely monitor your teen
- Get outside help and support if necessary
