The Most Important Thing Your Tween/Teen Needs to Hear From You
Your tween/teenager is developing all kinds of opinions, trying to figure out where they fit in, and trying to figure out what they want in life. They are creating their image, their vibe, and their interests.
And it’s a tall order for us to parent them through this!
Of all the things you are going to say to them, there is one thing that they need to hear from you the most…
…their identity.
It’s an unhealthy temptation for our kids to base their identity on things that are temporary:
Friend groups
Relationship status
Clothes and style 
Grades
beauty, body-type or healthy, non-acne skin
Performance in sports
Video game performance
Popularity
Mistakes, failures, etc
(It’s an unhealthy temptation for us adults to do this as well.)
The problem? Those things all change!
Sometimes they change often and without warning, especially as a teenager.
It’s a chaotic and confusing time.
If our kids base their identity and their mental health on temporary things and temporary people, when they do change, the child will/may crumble.
Our Role As Parents
Be intentional about teaching your tween/teenager of who they are…at their core: They are a valuable son, a beloved daughter, a powerful brother, a special granddaughter, a unique and priceless human being.
They are enough. Just as they are. They don’t need to do anything. Prove anything. Show off. Act out.
They are enough.
Their identity is safe, secure, valuable and loved. People and things will always come and go, but because of their value in this family and in the world, they will always be ok, even when the temporary fades. 
Kids/teens who are regularly reminded of their identity are more confident, feel more connected, have higher self-esteem, and therefore, make better life choices. Once they reach full adulthood, all of that carries over! They become a secure and confident adult who excels at the skills they have put their mind to.
No matter the phase that your child is in, who their friends are, what they are obsessed with at the moment…keep telling them who they are.
And parent, if no one has reminded you lately, YOU are loved, good enough, and valuable!
Patsy Conner
Teen Coach
Click HERE to schedule a coaching session for your teen to meet with Patsy.
Click HERE to read “7 Truths EVERY Teen Girl Needs to Hear From Her Parents.”
Click HERE to learn how to create 180 change in your home!
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The Family Coaches of Parenting Modern Teens
We Help Parents Solve Painful Patterns and Behaviors...& Raise Wise, Mature Adults.
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