Parenting Your Teenager: 3 Ways to Make the Time

Every now and then I'll get a story sent to me by e-mail that is a no-brainer idea for an article. One of those came across my desk just the other day. It's called "I Wish I Had a Second Chance."

Like many of these things, the author's name was not included. If anyone knows who the author is, I'd love to know so I can give him or her credit and thanks.

Give it a read, and then let's put some 'hands and feet' on how to use it in your own life.

My hands were busy through the day, I didn't have much time to play the little games you asked me to. I didn't have much time for you. I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook. But when you brought your picture book and asked me to share your fun, I'd say A little later, son.

I'd tuck you in all safe at night and hear your prayers, turn out the light. Then tiptoe softly to the door. I wish I'd stayed a minute more. For life is short, the years rush past ... a little boy grows up so fast. No longer is he at your side, his precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away, there are no longer games to play, no good night kiss, no prayers to hear ... that all belongs to yesteryear. My hands once busy now are still. The days are long and hard to fill. I wish I could go back and do all the little things you asked me to.

If you're like me, you are feeling a little misty. But instead of just getting misty, let's use this to make things a little better.

Let's take a little trip into the future. Let's fast forward five, 10, 20 years from now, when your kids are no longer interested in asking you to do anything with them, much less play.

What does that regret feel like as you look back?

I never want to feel that way. So come back from the future with me, and let's do something about it right now.

How to make the time

Every single one of us is the same in that we each get 24 hours and no more each day. My belief is that we can make the time for the important things if we know how. Here are three strategies to make the time:

1. What keeps you from spending time with your kids?

Whatever it is, I'd suggest evaluating it very carefully and severely. How can you change it? Can you move it around, reschedule it, do it less, give it to someone else to do, or just stop doing it altogether?

2. Date your kids

Set dates-with-Mommy or dates-with-Daddy times. These are one-on-one times to spend with each other. Protect these dates as you would an important business appointment. At least two good things can result:

=>The time is set and protected

=> your kid will feel very special.

Follow them when you play with them

Let them lead and set the agenda. This is going to feel awkward at first, because we are so used to pushing hard, setting agendas and getting things done. Just follow them. One of the many really cool side effects of this is that after you practice this for a while, it can be very relaxing.

One of the many things we can take with us from this story is best said by Patrick Boyle, editor of Youth Today:

The reality is that our to-do lists never end, while our kids' childhoods do.

Visit ParentingYourTeenager.com for tips and tools for thriving during the teen years. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 5 day e-program on The Top 5 Things to Never Say to Your Teenager, from parenting coach and expert Jeff Herring.

---

A Night Out For Mom & Dad

Is your babysitter watching the kids and your k9 family... Read More

Children?s Birthday Party Planning: When and When Not to Have a Big Party

Age 1: Invite only family members and close friends only... Read More

What a Parent Must Do to Stop Online Predators

Teens can freely access the Internet from computers at school,... Read More

Some Good News About Blended Families

They Spur Members To Grow EmotionallyTatiana Tannenbaum grappled with a... Read More

Marriage, Divorce, and Kids

Are men to blame for the divorce problem in this... Read More

Friends Are A Gift You Give Yourself

My oldest boy is fifteen and was a real jerk... Read More

Teaching Kids to Read

We are all so very happy to see that the... Read More

Where Will YOUR Kids Get A Job?

Let's face it.The job market is getting tougher every day.Computerization... Read More

Homeschooling ? Can I Do It?

Many parents would like to homeschool their children but are... Read More

Twins - Double The Trouble Or Double The Pleasure? Both!

If You're Having Twins..is it double the headache, or double... Read More

The Better Behavior Wheel - A New Kind of Calm in the Family

There's a new kind of fun and calm out there... Read More

Hurting from the Outside - In: The Rise of Self-harming

Ask any teacher or adolescent counselor what the most disturbing... Read More

Ultimate Airplane Themed Games & Activities for your Childs Birthday Party

Are you looking for the Ultimate Airplane Themed Party Games... Read More

How to Take Charge of the TV

Many children enjoy TV, and they can learn from it.... Read More

Top Seven Tips To Become A Good Stepmother

Becoming a stepmother can undoubtedly be one of the most... Read More

Power Foods for a Powerful School Lunch

There isn't a school day that goes by that I... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: When is it OK to Quit?

Q. My daughter is a junior in high school and... Read More

Attaboy! Encouraging Phrases That Build Confidence

Home, home on the range, Where never is heard A... Read More

Uses for Dirty Diapers

As the father of a toddler, I am an expert... Read More

Banishing Bedtime Blues

"My son won't go to bed at night without a... Read More

Theres a Lollipop on Your Bottom (and Other Terms of Endearment)

"I took care of Callie," my three-year-old announced.Callie had been... Read More

Humans and Their Innate Need for Drug Stimulation

We know that ancient cultures and Indians and the like... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: 4 Dangerous Myths

MYTH: All teens have to rebel, and the teen years... Read More

The Free Ride In Public Schools

To protect children's self-esteem or deflect complaints by parents, many... Read More

Public School Sex-Education Classes --- Bad News For Parents and Children

One of parents' most important duties is to protect their... Read More

Fun Things to Do with Your Kids this Summer

10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this... Read More

Discipline on My Mind

I look out of the window as I am writing... Read More

The Homeopathic Nutraceutical Attend as an Alternative to Ritalin

You no longer have to use Ritalin or other stimulants... Read More

Spanking Children

Results of the Spanking Poll on Rexanne.com: Voters - 233Percentage... Read More

My Husband Prioritizes Making Money Above Family Time

"Money is tight, and my husband's obsessed with doing everything... Read More

SMUT Spelled Backwards is TUMS

Why are more people, especially parents not outraged?I call it... Read More

ADHD: A Dialogue With a Non-Believer, part three

Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More

The Twenty-First Century Parent

John was a 43 year-old sales manager at a large... Read More