Interesting how your teen will listen to some people, but not others.\u00a0 So why won’t\u00a0he\/she listen to you?\u00a0 Could it be that other influences in the life of your teen are doing a better job of answering the “motive” question?\u00a0 Rather sobering thought that I have had to contend with in raising kids. \u00a0 Not saying what others are\u00a0doing or not doing\u00a0is right or wrong, but the issue is – They are answering the motive question better – The\u00a0 “why do you do what you do?” question.<\/p>\n
If\u00a0you want to be heard and have an influence\u00a0on\u00a0your own teen, part of that (not all) depends on you and\u00a0providing a good clear reason for your son or daughter doing what you say to do or considering what you\u00a0want him\/her to consider.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 This is a part of “teaching” we are responsible for as parents.\u00a0 Additionally, one way to “provoke our kids\/teens to wrath” is to not provide a good motive for doing something. Take a look at Deut.6:4-9 and Ephesians 6:1-4 in the Bible.\u00a0 Do you provide your teen with good explanations regarding why you tell them to do or not do something?\u00a0 Do\u00a0you teach them how you arrived at your decision?\u00a0 If not, this may be part of the problem.<\/p>\n