Being a parent of a teenager is a rollercoaster ride. You're juggling schoolwork, extracurricular activities, mood swings, and that ever-elusive quality time. But fear not, you're not alone in this suburban adventure. In this episode of Suburban Burnout, we spoke with Lori Lucero, a working mom of 2 college-aged children, and discussed tips and strategies for parents of teenagers to help make the most of these transformative years. Not only was her advice relevant to the issues that face parents of teenagers today, it was so down to Earth and relatable. This is a time when your child is going to go through significant change as they strive for independence while still needing your guidance, so non-judgmental communication is your secret weapon. As a parent, the knee-jerk reaction may be to freak out or fly off the handle. By keeping your cool, you're creating a safe space for them to come to you with anything.
How do you create and foster an environment for teens to trust you? Lori advised against making your children seen and not heard. The crux of it all is keeping open lines of communication. You can do this by including them in family decisions, listening to their opinions, and explaining your thought process in a teaching moment. When your teen feels heard, they will be more likely to open up. And setting this foundation starts young. If you don't listen to your children when they are little and let them speak, they will not wake up as teens ready to come to you when they need help. If your teen finds themselves in a compromising situation, you don't want them to say, "I can't call my mom, she will kill me!" You want them to say "I NEED to call my mom."
Other key takeaways include:
Having appropriate parent/teen boundaries- While your teenager craves independence, they also need structure. Establish clear and consistent rules, and involve them in the rule-making process. This way, they learn responsibility and decision-making while respecting your authority.
Balance freedom & responsibility- Teenagers need opportunities to make their own choices, which includes making mistakes. Give them responsibilities, such as chores or managing their own schedules. Encourage them to take on part-time jobs or volunteer work, which can instill valuable life skills, and extra-curricular activities which allow them to develop their passions and make friends.
Be a role model- Demonstrate healthy ways to manage stress, handle conflicts, and maintain relationships.
Find common interests- get to know your teen's friends and what they like, understand which apps are being used to communicate, set family goals your teen can take ownership of, and let them hang out at your house in a stable environment.
Provide resources when needed- If you notice persistent signs of anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues, don't hesitate to seek professional help.
College Admission Insights:
In today's fiercely competitive college admission landscape, Lori offered invaluable advice. Getting into your preferred college is no longer a breeze, and a head start can make all the difference. Lori shared the following pro tips on:
College Admission Specialists- there are many choices on how much help you'd like to outsource. Consider hiring an essay writer or using a comprehensive college admission specialist that will guide your teen from beginning to end.
Teen Resumes- Lori spoke about the dos and don'ts when crafting a compelling teen resume.
Early Planning- it is more important than ever to start planning early for college campus visits and ACT/SAT test prep.
Parenting a teenager may be a wild ride, but with Lori's guidance, you'll not only strengthen your relationship with your teenagers but also equip them with the skills and mindset needed to navigate the challenges that face them. For more incredible insights, be sure to listen to our Suburban Burnout podcast episode featuring Lori Lucero!
Meet our Guest:
Lori is married to her husband of 25 years and has two wonderful college-aged children. She's also the proud mom of two fur babies.
During the day, Lori’s passion lies in her health and wellness business with Arbonne, which she has successfully owned and operated for 18 years rising to Executive National Vice President. Through her business, she has helped many lead healthier and happier lives.
Lori is a true lover of life, always embracing new experiences and making the most out of every moment. Whether it's relishing in delicious food, indulging in a refreshing drink, or spending time with her fur babies, Lori's focus is on celebrating joyous moments in life. But above all, family is everything to Lori, and she cherishes every moment spent with her loved ones.
Check out Lori's business at lorilucero.arbonne.com or find her on Instagram @loriluceroatx.
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