Parents enjoy when their teen does well in school, but some also use their teen's grades as a reason to be more permissive in other areas of their teen's lives. Teens will take advantage of this lapse in judgment and get into trouble. Good grades do not mean that your teen is following all of the rules set by your family. It is not a given. Here are some things you will need to remember to do even when your teen is getting good grades:
- Keep talking to your teen about their day, their friends and their dreams. Know what they do on a daily basis, who they surround themselves with and what they look forward to in their future. The more you touch base with your teen the faster you will know if something is wrong.
- Look for signs of trouble. Does your teen want more privacy, shutting you out? Does he get angry when you ask "What is going on?" That is a clear sign you need to step in and determine what is going on.
- Remember that peers are a strong influence on your teen. Smart peers tend to be more creative in 'getting away with' their endeavors, therefore you need to follow through with calling adults when your teen makes plans to go out or have sleepovers with their friends.
- Be clear with your expectations and consequences. Send a clear message to your teen that unwanted behaviors like lying or drinking will have consequences, write them out on a parenting contract.
- Never take, 'But I get good grades!' as an excuse that will keep you from following through with the above points in discipline. Raise your teen to be a successful happy adult by not giving in or giving up on any area of their lives.
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