1. When you feel like your kids are depressed or down, don’t insult them. Just talk to them. Let them speak before you analyze.

2. Remember. They may just be your kids, but they have their own minds. They are human beings and do grow up.

3. Don’t be afraid to take advice from your teen. You could learn something. Realize they just might see things differently.

4. NEVER say “I hate you” or “I don’t like you” or “life would have been better off without you” They hurt worse than you think. Don’t scream in anger. If you don’t mean it, don’t say it.

5. Don’t fulfill your dreams in them. Let them follow their own hearts.

6. Remember. Aggression is bottled tears. Let them cry.

7. Talk after every fight. Let yourself cry.

8. Notice the little things. Like what makes them smile. What movies they enjoy. What inspires them. So you, also, can inspire them. Make them smile.

9. Be a mother first, then a friend; but be a friend..

10. Notice what makes them mad, hostile, upset, .......

11. Realize they are special. Tell them they are special.

12. What hurts you hurts them. Teach them what hurts.

13. Teach your children kindness by showing kindness. Teach your children by loving them.

14. Remember, teens are trying to find themselves. Help them. Don’t tell them to be more like their friends.

15. If your teen is suddenly staying home a lot, take him or her out. Show them new things: new scenery, the library, etc....... Your child probably needs some. Maybe, even you.

16. Don’t hold grudges. Talk it out. Be open, Be honest. Don’t be selfish.

17. Never tell your child: “No one likes you.” That will make them not like themselves....and you.

18. Though it may be hard to handle or grasp to a teenager; the amount of respect given is the amount of respect earned. You can’t demand respect. True respect comes from within. Respect that person as a person, not an enforcer.

19. Show interest in what they are interested in, instead of trying to get them interested in only what interests you.

20. LET THEM GROW UP!

21. Make them proud, and then they will make you proud.

22. Don’t break promises.

23. Teach your children how to talk things out.

24. Don’t assume you know everything.

25. Don’t let them do drugs.

26. Don’t avoid issues and then assume you have a good relationship.

27. Don’t put them down, don’t let them put you down.

28. Try to eat dinner together when you can.

29. Never give up on them. Never assume you don’t make a difference----you do.

30. Teach them what you can’t learn. Always be there, no matter what.

31. Every time you tell them what they did wrong, remember what they have done right.

32. Every time you tell them what you did right, remember what you did wrong. Be open to change.

33. TALK, don’t scream!

34. Act like an adult, not the child. Be the first to talk it out. Realize their strengths and weaknesses. Realize your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t always point out their weaknesses.

35. If you are always insulting you then you are having problems. Don’t just insult them back. It doesn’t help.

36. You can’t just say; “I love you.” You have to show them you love them.

Be the adult, be mature. Don’t rely on them to mother you. They still need you.