1. Notice/Acknowledge them
2. Smile a lot
3. Teach them the value of earning things.
4. Learn their friends names
5. Squash any attitude of entitlement. It only leads to envy – the mother of all vices.
6. Look in their eyes when you talk with them, but do not do it from their level. Be sure they know you are the parent.
7. Listen to them
8. Play with them
9. Read aloud with them.
10. Think of your teen as a "practicing" adult. Teach them something practical, like how to change a flat tire, fix a leaky faucet, sew up a rip in clothes, or cook.
11. Laugh together – a lot!
12. Be sure they receive plenty of Vitamin N – “NO”. At the same time, say yes a lot
13. Introduce your child to neighborhood adults to get them acquainted.
14. Tell them that their feelings are normal, but to act based on feelings will usually result in negative experiences.
15. Set boundaries that keep them safe.
16. Stay in contact with teachers about your child's progress, rather than waiting for progress reports and/or report cards.
17. Be honest
18. Be yourself
19. Listen to their stories
20. Pick a community service project to do together, ex. collecting items for a food or disaster relief drive, visiting nursing homes with your pet, or ask a local church what opportunities they have.
21. Hug them
22. Notice when they are acting differently
23. Present options when they seek your counsel.
24. Play outside together.
25. Surprise them.
26. Stay with them when they are afraid.
27. Suggest better behaviors when they act out.
28. Delight in their discoveries
29. Share their excitement
30. Send them a postcard or letter - receiving mail is great! Try it this Valentines Day.
31. Follow them when they lead.
32. Notice when they are there with you and let them know that you wish they were.
33. Call them to say hello.
34. Hide little treasures for them to find.
35. Give them space when they need it.
36. Contribute to their collections.
37. Discuss their dreams and nightmares.
38. Laugh at their jokes.
39. Teach them the blessing it is to give and serve.
40. Answer their questions openly and fully.
41. Tell them how terrific they are.
42. Create a tradition with them and keep it.
43. Learn what they have to teach.
44. Use your ears more than your mouth.
45. Make yourself available.
46. Show up at their concerts, games, and events.
47. Find a common interest.
48. Hold hands during a walk.
49. Apologize when you have done something wrong.
50. Listen to their favorite music with them.
51. Keep the promises you make.
52. Wave and smile at them when you part.
53. Display their artwork at home and at work.
54. Thank them every chance you get.
55. Point out what you like about them.
56. Cut out magazine and newspaper articles that may interest them.
57. Give them lots of compliments.
58. Catch them doing something right.
59. Give them your undivided attention.
60. Ask for their opinion at times.
61. Have fun together.
62. Be curious with them.
63. Tell them how much you like being with them.
64. Let them solve most of their own problems.
65. Meet their friends.
66. Let them tell you how they feel.
67. Help them become an expert at something.
68. Be excited when you see them.
69. Tell them about your childhood.
70. Let them act their age.
71. Praise more: criticize less.
72. Be consistent.
73. Admit it when you make a mistake.
74. Enjoy your time together.
75. Give them a special nickname.
76. Marvel at what they can do.
77. Tell them how proud you are of them.
78. Unwind together.
79. Ask them to help you.
80. Applaud their successes.
81. Deal with problems and conflicts while they are still small.
82. Chaperone a dance.
83. Tell them stories in which they are the hero.
84. Believe in them.
85. Be flexible.
86. Delight in their uniqueness.
87. Let them make mistakes.
88. Notice them when they grow.
89. Wave at them when you see them.
90. Give them immediate feedback