by Savanna Carlsen

Created on: June 01, 2008

When our children are born, they are so precious and fragile. We are willing to do anything to protect them. They are so innocent to the world and as they grow we are there for them when they are hurt, when they are sick, when they need love and guidance. In the blink of an eye, they suddenly know everything. They talk back, they lie to your face, they have become your new enemy. They want you to let them go so they can become their own individual. Many of today's parents think this is what you are supposed to do. You are supposed to let them go and experience things and make their own decisions.

Hello parents?! Just because your child has suddenly grown into what they think is an adult doesn't mean you stop parenting them. In fact, this is where you really start parenting. The adolescent years are the easy and fun part. The next step is the hardest job you'll ever undertake in your life. You don't stop or take a breath until they are at least twenty two! It is our job to make sure they take the right path and never veer off. It is our responsibility to make sure they become our next generation of decent adults. Yet they are not adults, they are still children who need guidance to get them through the difficult years. They won't always admit it, but they need their parents more than ever before.

Think this is an impossible undertaking? It may seem that way, the secret is to stay involved, and never ever give up. Talk and teach your children early about life, respect, sex, drugs, and alcohol. The way a parent lives their life and what they show their kids is a good indication of how those children will follow their own path. Look at any elementary school and see how involved parents are in their young children. Then look at those same children once they reach high school. More than half of those parents who once helped out in class, walked their kids to school, went on field trips and showed up at all the school activities, suddenly aren't around for any high school activities. Why are they bailing out? Are they tired of parenting already? Is it fear? Don't give up yet! Don't be scared of teenagers! Teach them respect, kindness, love and keep them active and involved in life activities. Stay involved with their lives. Know what's going on at school, with their friends, their teachers and slowly as they make it through all those difficult hurdles, you can let them go be an adult.

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