Friday, January 16, 2009

Seven Necessities of Parents of Adolescent Boys


Seven Necessities for Parents (teachers) of Adolescent Boys:


1. Clear guidelines with reasonable consequences from a unified front;cutting slack but also holding boys accountable for their actions.


2. Reasonable explanations for the criteria, guidelines and decisionsmade by parents.


3. Avoiding hyper-analysis of boys' emotions and states of mind:avoiding "taking their temperature" too often.


4. Unconditional love with an emphasis on character and effort morethan outcome: Encourage boys to live up to their potential while havingreasonable expectations. To love them regardless of whether they make itinto Harvard or become a star quarterback.


5. Authenticity, faith and fidelity should be reflected in parent'slifestyles.


6. Qualities of a dad: Manliness, temperance, making significant timefor family, putting aside work, and being a reliable source of guidance.


7. Qualities of a mom: Emotional stability, selflessness, lovingservice and extreme patience.


- Father Michael Sliney, L.O.C.

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