New Research About What Matters Most in Parenting Teenagers

Great segment on NBC’s Today Show yesterday morning: research-based report with Frank Luntz and Michele Borba on what really matters the most in successfully parenting teenagers. 6 great tips that help you focus on the most important things. You’ll love it when Frank Luntz throws away his Blackberry!

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I particularly like the reference to the importance of family vacations. Many veteran parents of teenagers say that family vacations are one of the most valuable opportunities to share precious time together. Want to hear the answer to the question “If you could raise your teenagers again, what would you do differently?” Read our free downloadable research report: PARENTING TEENAGERS: The Agony & the Ecstasy.

ADDENDUM 12/16/09: I was interested enough in what Luntz had to say that I purchased the book. It is notable that the “Six Steps Parents Really Need to Know” are basic…. because parenting teenagers is about keeping to the basics. (Read “Secrets to Success in Parenting Your Teen.”)

Luntz six steps are:

Have dinner with your children. Nothing says “I care” more than taking the time to make this a priority. And, research connects family dinners with lower incidences of substance abuse, less risky behavior, and higher achievement in school.

Take your children to church or synagogue weekly. Teach your children that there is something out there bigger and more important than themselves.

Check your child’s homework nightly. This is another way to show you care about your child, and it gives you an opportunity to see if s/he is on track.

Demanding the truth – and getting it. This is about  monitoring your teen; parental monitoring is directly linked with lower rates of risky behavior in teens.

Taking your children on vacation for at least a week at a time. This point stands out for me because it shows up as a key value shared by parents who have already raised their teens. Luntz adds a point, however, and strongly recommends you make this a week that is unplugged… no computers, no cell phones etc… for either of you!

Encourage them to participate in a team sport. Teams offer an additional support system, and can provide positive group expectations that keep kids making healthy choices.