Raising Your Teenager To Be A Decent Human Being

The noted psychologist, Eda La Shan, has said, “The only way to raise a decent human being is by being one.” Kids learn most readily, for better or worse, by your example.

• You can raise your teen to be open minded and accepting of others, free of hurtful prejudices, if you keep your own mind and heart free.

• You can promote kindness, compassion, fairness, and responsibility by acting in these ways. Parents who live and encourage generosity in spirit are more likely to have children who reach out with love to others.

• All of this doesn’t mean being perfect. Admitting your mistakes, apologizing, accepting limits, and taking responsibility for your own behavior can also teach your child valuable lessons. You can teach your child by your own example that mistakes can be learning experiences.

• A teen who grows up knowing kindness, fairness, limits, and love is likely to be the best person he can be, now and throughout his life.

An expert in the field of adolescent behavior, Ms. McCoy has authored eleven books on the subject including the best selling “The Teenage Body Book”. Additionally she has written hundreds of articles for major national magazines. Coordinator of the Clinical Ph.D. Program at California School of Professional Psychology and Staff Counselor at the Center for Individual and Family Counseling in North Hollywood, California.