That is right. Life is not perfect, so why do you keep trying to make it perfect for your kids? You cannot watch your teenager 24 hours a day. Life is full of ups and downs yet, every day parents rescue their kids from the consequences of their behavior. Whether it is making excuses for your teen’s behavior at school, with coaches or even with the police you are robbing your teen of life experiences.

Life experiences for children and teens are a bit easier than when they become adults and the consequences can have more serious and far reaching effects in their lives. So why do you make excuses for your teen? If your son gets caught smoking at school and the punishment is to sit on the bench for three football games; let him experience the consequence rather than call the coach and beg for him to play because it is his senior year, or he is the best player in is position or for some other reason. The same goes for your daughter. If her grades are falling and she doesn’t meet the GPA requirement to be on the swim team or a cheerleader, etc., do not make excuses for her to continue on the team or cheer squad.

Think about what lesson you are teaching your teen by making excuses for them to escape the consequences of their choices.

It seems like everyone is trying to “pass the buck” or blame someone else for their actions. We hear it on the news all the time with our politicians in government, cartoons and movies point the finger at others for wrong doings. So who is responsible for your actions?

Where does taking responsibility for your actions start? With you, of course! As parents we are setting the example for our kids. When we make a mistake, we need to own up to it, apologize if we have hurt someone and be the example. We hear all the time that actions speak louder than words.

So there you have it. Be the role model for your teens and their friends. Show responsibility and take accountability for your actions. Your teens will be better adults for it.