Quick Tip – Giving Advice That Will Actually Be Considered!

It’s very tricky to give advice to your child, especially if you want your advice followed! Sometimes it’s so obvious what our child needs to do: Do your homework. Do it early and on time. Don’t wait until the last minute to get the homework or project finished. Remember the 3 T’s:

· Tentative – Start with words like “You might have already thought about this…” or “What do you think about trying…” These statements will increase your teen’s likelihood of actually trying your suggestion.

· Timing – Wait a few hours after you find out about a bad grade before giving any advice. When we give advice right away after bad news, our kids rarely hear it!

· Temper – If your teen is cranky, no amount of advice will get in. Wait until a more receptive time.