15 things you should say to your children

What Do You Tell Your Teen Every Night? 15 Things Every Parent Should Tell Their Teen Times are tough for our teens. They need our assurance, support and 15 daily reminders.
by Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC on November 02, 2010

Excerpt from an interesting article. Personally I think many of these can be reminders for your elementary, middle and junior high schoolers too. Many of these I already say to my 7 year old.

15 things that should be said daily during your child's teen years:

1. No one will ever love you in the same way or have your best interests at heart more than your mom/dad and I will.
2. You have so many gifts and options; I will help you capitalize/benefit from them as best I can.
3. How can I help you reach your dreams?
4. No matter what you confide in me, I will always love you and do what is best for you.
5. My job is not to be your buddy. I am your parent and will love and mentor you.
6. I am sorry. (Say this whenever you hurt your child, or your child is in pain from something someone else said to them.)
7. I embrace your friends, but I love you the most.
8. It is okay to mess up; I do it all the time.
9. I am sorry you don't like my rules, but you will have to abide by them. I will hold you accountable if you break them and there will be a consequence.
10. If you are in trouble, call me first, no matter where you are. I may be angry, but my first concern will always be your safety. We will talk about punishment or consequences later.
11. You are an integral part of this family, and the family needs you to run smoothly.
12. I don't care what your friends get to do. I am not their parent; I am yours and you are my main responsibility and concern.
13. I admire you more than you can ever understand or know.
14. If you get in trouble at school, be honest with me. Your teacher is the authority at school and if I hear it from your teacher before I hear it from you, I will feel betrayed or deceived. I may react to this breach of trust.
15. From the first time I saw your eyes, I vowed to be the best parent I could be for you. I make mistakes but they are not meant to hurt you. I make them because I love you so much and get scared sometimes. It is hard parenting a teen (your child will understand this confession).

Full article visit: http://www.momtourage.com//15-things-moms-should-tell-their-teen-every-night?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=1&obref=obnetwork