1. Be a Role Model
The most powerful way to influence your teen is to model the right behavior. Let your teen learn by watching you address problems in a positive manner and work through obstacles without raising your voice, whimpering or giving up and allowing someone else to handle it. Teens, whether they are willing to admit it or not, are highly influenced by their parent's actions. Striving to do your best, admitting when you are wrong, not letting yourself be negatively influenced by others and operating out a sense of self belief and personal honor will be a lasting gift to the young adult you are raising.
2. Focus! Focus! Focus!
Encouraging your teen to focus on positive pursuits and pastimes will both keep your teen busy and give her a chance to experience achievement. Is your child an aspiring musician or a potential spelling bee champion? How about both? Support whatever positively motivates your child. This can be as practical as driving him to swim practice at 5 a.m. in morning three times a week or burning the midnight oil with him as he prepares for AP exams.
3. Embrace New Technology
Take advantage of today's cutting edge gadgetry to keep up with your teen and help monitor her behavior. Most teens have cell phones which allow parents to contact their teens instantly. Learn to text message so you can discretely "speak" with your teen without forcing him to endure a "mom" conversation in front of friends. Other gadgetry can help you monitor and suppress negative behavior as well. Check your child's footprints on the World Wide Web. Learn how to use the "history" tool on the computer and how to log into your child's Facebook account. You may never be as computer savvy as your teen, but you need to let her know you will be monitoring what is going on and will not allow her to shut you out.
