Do not ever criticize your teenager in front of anyone. Do it in private if it is something important.
Do not speak to your teenager in a tone that you don't want to hear coming back at you.
Earn your child's respect, don't demand it.
If you are a father, make sure you teach your child life skills like how to change a tire, make simple repairs around the house, how to do laundry (lights and darks), what to do when the lights go out, how to treat the opposite sex, and, if you live in Arizona, how to take care of a pool.
If you are a mother, teach your child how to prepare one meal including appetizer and dessert, how to clean a bathroom, how to wrap a present, and how to manage money.
Of course this sounds sexist. I am sorry, but I am old now and just trying to get the point across.
Have minimum standards but enforce them absolutely. No, you may not go out in that shirt with "I Love Boobies" on it. I don't care if it is from the Galapagos.
What you say to a teenager doesn't matter nearly as much as what you do.
Don't be a hypocrite. Don't tell your teenager not to smoke while you burn through a pack a day. Don't expect your teen to stay away from drugs if you have a beer the minute you get home from work.
I am sure I will come up with lots more - stay tuned.
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