How do you teach a teen how to show appreciation and not be so selfish?

1. 52

   abbykorinneleeposted 11 years ago

   How do you teach a teen how to show appreciation and not be so selfish?

   replyreport
2. 0

   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   Hi Abby, Just my opinion. By the time someone is in their teens it may be too late. Or it could just be a phase that they are going through.

   replyreport
   1. 52

      abbykorinneleeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I wonder when they were appreciative say a year before but than teens hit and now they aren't...curious as to the phases teens actually go through and when behaviors are normal versus worrisome

      replyreport
3. 86

   tamarawilhiteposted 11 years ago

   Do not blindly give your child everything they request. Parents are obligated to feed, clothe, shelter and care for a child and young adult. Parents are not obligated to give children fancy toys, brand name clothes or every activity requested. By giving the child most of their requests, regardless of cost, the child comes to see these things as an entitlement. With age, the requests grow in cost. Instead of a day at the racetrack or bumper cars, the teen requests and expects a car. Instead of karate lessons and sports fees in the hundreds of dollars, it is a demand for a Spring Break trip in the thousands of dollars.
   The first thing to do as a parent is rein in the "gimmies" at an early age.
   If you are dealing with an teenager, whip out your budget. Show them where the money goes, including their expenses. Set a budget and help your teen budget for his/her own activities.
   And teach them about work. How much do you make if it is minimum wage? What is left after taxes? If you buy this, you'd have to work X hours at Sonic or McDonalds to own it.

   replyreport