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Did you know that teens and toddlers are very similar creatures?
It's true, in my experience.
It’s been said that you raise your teenager when they are a toddler. Twenty five years of experience working with families certainly bares out that notion.
Rapid changes
At no other time of life do we go through so many profound changes so rapidly.
On one hand, we have the toddler who one day is a sweet and loving little cherub, and overnight becomes a “screaming NO machine.”
Then we have the average teenager. Most 15 year olds I know are 15 going on 25 and 15 going on 5, all at the same time.
Although very different in age and appearance, toddlers and teens have very similar agendas. Let’s take a look at some of the striking similarities.
Toddlers and teens:
• Live by the motto “I want what I want when I want it which is NOW!”
• Believe with all their heart, mind and soul that the world and everyone in it revolves around them.
• Are genetically programmed to challenge any boundary or rule.
• At the same time, they desperately need boundaries and rules
• Believe that money magically grows out of their parent’s pockets
• Have never gotten to the end of the money before the end of the month.
• See absolutely no reason to wait for anything.
• Have their own unique language.
Be sure you are setting firm structures and boundaries with your tot and tween, because if you don’t do it now, what in the world makes you think they will obey curfew when they have a car?
Visit ParentingYourTeenager.com for tips and tools for thriving during the teen years. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e
5 day e-program on The Top 5 Things to Never Say to Your Teenager, from parenting coach and expert Jeff Herring.
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