Okay, down to business. It’s not rocket science that saying words that build others up and expresses affection helps the relationship. It is a good reminder to be careful what you say and how you say it. But, it does get tricky when your emotional teen seems to shun anything positive from you and you feel like your grasping at straws to find something positive to share!
Many moms said they have taken the love language test at the back of the book and given it to their kids. So far, the teens have been open to taking it, and it has started some great conversations, besides being quite illuminating at times! For those of us who scored high in this language, words are extremely powerful, and it’s so important to watch what we say and how we say it.
We all agreed that it was easier to express affection than to affirm our teens. There are three aspects of praising our teens: sincere praise, specific praise and when you can’t praise results, praise efforts. Sometimes you need to praise your teen for mowing the lawn, and the next week encourage them to mow with better skill. Sometimes that is so hard to do when the task you asked them to do is simple!
Sometimes it seems there isn’t anything to compliment your teen on. Have you had a day like that? One mom wisely pointed out that every person benefits from all five love languages, and sometimes you need to speak the teens’ secondary love language. Well said!
I am super excited. Tomorrow we have our first guest speaker, Branden Campbell. Branden is the senior high pastor at Rolling Hills Community Church, and he is amped to be with us. He is going to share his unique insight on teens and technology and parents. He will also bring up cyber bullying and pornography. I guarantee it will be profound.
See you tomorrow!
~k
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