Hopefully, by now you are aware of the survey project that I’m running, titled “Three Sides of the Coin.” I’m surveying young adults, “veteran” parents (parents who have raised a teen or two), and current parents of teens. I’m posting some of the comments here on my blog as they come in …this study is simply fascinating! Parents of teenagers can really benefit from the experiences of others. Here’s a new batch of great responses from veteran parents who are answering the question:
“If you could raise your teenager again what would you do differently?”

• “Not hover over them as much.” (Martha, MA)
• “Be less black and white…there are so many gray areas, looking back, if I could have been less rigid. I would have picked my battles differently.” (Karen)
• “Along with being more trusting, I would be a little more ‘hands off.’ I was a very involved parent, and allowing a little more ’space’ for my teenager may have helped her to develop her own decision making abilities.(a mom from NY)
• “I would probably be a little more ‘old school.’ Maybe a little more of a parent instead of a friend or trying to be a friend. It’s harder to be a parent while trying to be your child’s friend.” (Mike from MA)
• “Spend more time with them. Pay attention to their friends and activities.” (Jan from NH)

Please answer the survey and pass it along to people you know. Each survey only has 3 questions so it takes just a few minutes. You can find the surveys here.

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