by Eric Bailey

Created on: October 24, 2009   Last Updated: October 27, 2009

The primary charge of any parent is to raise their children to become independent, responsible adults. Throughout the various stages of parenthood, this can seem like an impossible task! Whether they are in diapers or in college, kids can present innumerable challenges on their path to becoming self-sustaining members of society. They disregard authority, they make poor decisions, they hang out with negative influences, and they pursue interests nobody else seems to understand.

Despite the obstacles on the way to successful parenthood, it truly is possible to stay the course and watch your son or daughter become a mature, grown-up human being. Though it may seem like a complicated mission with too many variables, there are actually a few key lessons to teach, that incorporate the most important elements of being a fully functioning member of adult culture.

Show Action Accountability

Every human being should be held accountable for their actions, and teenagers are no exception. The idea of accountability can be difficult to explain in simple terms, yet it is the founding concept behind the justice system, and why capitalism led America to such a rapid rise on the global scene. The subject is simply the thought that if someone does something bad, there should be consequences, and if someone does something good, there should be benefits. Sometimes, the effect is inherent: If you stub you toe, it hurts; if you write a best-selling novel, you earn money. But, and this is the tricky part, sometimes we call upon people to hold the actions of others accountable. This is why we have policeman ensuring that criminals do not continue to participate in destructive activities, why we have a system of government that can remove the President if he or she abuses their power, and why parents are able to appropriately discipline their children.

Instill Fiscal Awareness

Hardly any adult can deny the profound importance of money in the life of an adult in the workforce. Without a sustaining level of income, we can find ourselves without food, health, housing, and other life essentials. While it is true that some get away with rich spouses or live off their parents' trust funds, these are definitely the exceptions, not the rule. Teenagers should be aware that success in life, and a good job, are much more likely to be found through a significant investment of time and hard work. This is a great transition into explaining the essential nature of a proper education. In order to drive

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