Have you ever decided spur-of-the-moment to do something fun as a family and it backfired? We have, and it got really messy, really fast. Where to go? What to do? Nobody could agree. And someone had plans the rest of us didn't know about. Then the fighting started and we stayed home in bad moods. Surprises are not always welcomed. Sometimes planning is the best thing you can do to make family time a fun time. Brainstorm a list of potential activities with everyone contributing to the list. Next weed out the really crazy or dangerous ideas. As you schedule out, make it clear that each person will have a chance to choose an activity for the family, based on the list. If someone doesn't like another's choice, don't expect them to put on a happy face. What you do request is that they go and not make a fuss. A smile would be nice, but isn't required. They'll have a turn the next time. This gives each person some buy-in and doesn't leave things to chance. Try it out. Let me know how it goes. What's next? If these tips are helping parenting to be less hard, you'll want to check out the Raising Teenagers membership.
There are four new tutorials every month to help you bring out the best in your teen, in you, and your relationship. New strategies, scripts and lessons are in easy, bite-sized pieces.
And then there's the monthly group coaching call. Magic happens in the room!
Learn more about the program HERE. And if you still have questions, ask me.
Fern Weis is a certified life coach who learned that caring and good intentions are not enough in parenting. In fact, they are often the problem! Fern supports parents of teens and young adults who are going through difficult situations, including addiction recovery. She helps parents release guilt, end enabling and confidently prepare their children to thrive through life's challenges. Her articles are featured in Thrive Global, Medium, Motherly, The Teen Mentor, and Bergen County Moms.
Learn more about coaching and classes at www.fernweis.com. And then download your free guide, "Five Powerful Steps to Get Your Teen to Talk." For information on Family Recovery programs, visit www.familyrecoverypartners.com.
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