Top Tips for Raising Today's Teens

Each One Your Favourite

Children have different personalities and we are attracted to certain differences over others. But your teens are your children and at least part of their personality is formed because they have been raised by you. Each one of your children should be as much a favourite as is possible: Your eldest, your first girl, your baby for example- and they should each be honored and recognised for their status in the family structure. This will produce a feeling of worth in your child, which leads to confidence and high self esteem. The result will (should) be good behavior and wise choices as they move into in adulthood.

Having one obvious favourite could cause resentments between siblings and the pressure on the favourite to be perfect could be a bit much.

Roland, 36, Motor Mechanic

“Whenever I would phone my mum, she would say, “Hello mummy’s favourite boy!” I felt so good. One day I was at the house when my brother phoned. Mum picked up the phone and said “Hello mummy’s favourite boy!” I couldn’t believe it! I thought I was her favourite. I understand that she wanted my brother to feel as special as I do. If parents made their children feel special then maybe when they are faced with negativity they would think twice. I didn’t want my mother to feel sad about me at all, especially when I knew she held me in such high regard. I felt I was somebody as a child. I still do."