Whether our kids are two or thirteen, we hear ourselves saying the same things over and over.
We wonder if they'll ever remember the lessons we strive to teach, if the lines and boundaries will make any difference to them.
A recent study on teen driving states that our parenting styles make a big difference.
"Parents who set firm rules, but do so in a helpful, supportive way, can reduce the likelihood of their teen getting into an auto accident by half and decrease rates of drinking and driving, two new studies find. Positive rule-setting can also increase the odds a teen will wear a seatbelt and lessen the likelihood of talking or texting on a cell phone while driving."
WAIT A MINUTE! What we say and do as moms really makes a difference?
Now we have proof.
And proof translates to encouragement.
"The real message of this paper is that parents matter," says Ken Ginsburg, associate professor of pediatrics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
So, don't give up.
Hold that line.
Remind with love, instruct with love, discipline with love -- because you love.
Laura
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1 comment:
And just think--this study only covered the habits of teens in driving situations. They didn't even touch on the impact parents have on drugs and sex and other risky behaviors in teens. I imagine the influence carries over to many teen behaviors.
In my own experience, I'm glad my parents laid out boundaries and expectations for us and didn't waver when friends told them to give us more freedom. I think in the end they spared us a lot of heartache.
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