TEENAGE SPOIL PREVENTION

Do we all remember those days?  How things have changed!  Problem is, our hearts get bigger than our brains when it comes our turn to raise the teenager.  Back in the day, we didn't have mom and dad dishing out the doe for this and that.  With that being said, it never really bothered us all that much.  We still managed to have a good time and find other means.  These days, we are having a hard time saying "no" when the hand comes out wanting.  It is time to bring in the reigns a little to teach responsibility about earning the things you have and want.

We are very fortunate that he is much more responsible than we were at that age.  He has given us no reason to not trust him at this point.  If he goes anywhere, he always calls and checks in frequently.  He is involved in multiple sports, very active in church, and yet still manages to keep an A average in school.  Sometimes, we make him slow down so we can see what he looks like.  Don't get me wrong, despite his continued show of responsibility, we still never under estimate our children; there could always be a first.

We have told him to concentrate on school and enjoy his teenage years.  Therefore, not to worry about getting a job for spending money unless he wants to during the summer.  It is time to clarify that he still must earn that spending money we dish out.  It has gotten to the point to where he expects the hand out when he comes to us.  When we try to reign in slightly and tell him "no" at times, you can hear the sigh and disappointment that he didn't "get his way."  Observation... we have spoiled the child.  It is time to back up and regroup before it gets out of hand.

LESSON LEARNED:  Don't spoil the child by always giving in.  No matter how responsible they are in other areas, they still must learn to appreciate the things they have and earn the things they want.

Teresa