Bite your Tongue… really

This one is for the parents out there or for those who have to deal with touchy relational situations at times. The teenage years, say the parenting sages, are the years of biting your tongue. Maybe its the age 14 mega-changes or the “it’s not fair” dramatic monologue you want to avoid. Just don’t react if possible. OK, I know I just said, “if possible”. Sometimes you really have no choice but 80% of the time you do. Just smile and say nothing except “I hear you” or “thanks for sharing your feelings”. It’s kind of like being on a volleyball court and having someone spiking balls at you. Just don’t hit them back and eventually…they’ll run out of balls. You will get through this season if you don’t do things to enflame the already tense situation.

Remember how you were as a teen. The center of your own personal universe. Everything about your life is hugely important and you do not yet see the big picture because you have never had to die to yourself and live for a spouse and children. They’ll get that lesson eventually. For now, just try to avoid protracted arguments. They will forget and absolve themselves for everything they say in these moments but will never forget what you said to them if it hurts so….. just bite your tongue.

That’s my advice for today and when I follow it myself, things go pretty well.