Motivating teenagers can be a challenge to a parent if the right steps are not taken. Parenting your teenager should start at home; building a strong relationship with them can be sometimes difficult, but necessary. When there is a good parent-child relationship, your teen is likely to have a more positive outlook on life. Below I have listed some motivation steps to help you with a better relationship with your child.

• Treating your teen as an adult- this is probably one of the hardest things for parents to do, give their son or daughter responsible task. They will not always succeed, but this will help show them what it is like to make their own decisions. You must remember that the child you once knew is now growing up to adult status.
• Help your teenager set goals- goal setting is a good way to help your teen gain respect for you. By helping your son or daughter set goals, it gives them a sense of self-satisfaction. Make sure their goals are obtainable, and always be there to help them if they have questions.
• Teach them the importance of education- only as adults do we realize how important an education is in life. They are watching you constantly, how you handle your job and the dedication that you have can be passed down to them. Set by example even if there are days you recent what you do, try not to show negativity.
• Stay in charge of their lives- learn how to say "no" and by doing so it means that you still are in control of their lives. Being in control does not mean you are a bad parent but this will warrant more respect from your teenager. You know when a situation is not healthy for them, so say no and explain why.
• Reward your teenager- give your son or daughter something special if they reach their goals. You could reward them by taking them someplace special like a sporting event or concert. The rewards help show them that their achievement was successful and it also shows them you care about what they do.
• Give your teen chores to do each week- make a list of things that you would like them to do each week. Don't make the chores impossible to do. By making a list and placing it where they can see it every day will help remind them of their responsibility. Chores can be simple things like; taking out the garbage, cleaning their room, mowing the grass, and whether it is a boy or girl different chores can apply. Having them do chores shows them responsibility.
• Communicate by listening to them- hear your teenager and let them talk to you. Opening up lines of communication between you and your teenager can help to keep them motivated about life. With all that goes on in a teen's life, it is important for you to listen to them. Give your opinion on things in a way that shows them you do not approve of a certain situation. They need someone they can trust at home, so listen to them.

In today's busy world teenagers need all the help they can get. Be willing to help them, if you do not help them with their problems then they will go elsewhere for help. And, that might be the wrong help. By all means, keep an open mind with your teenager; keeping them motivated is your responsibility as a parent.

Jerry Standefer is a parent who raised teenagers, his ambition has been to help other parents who might need guidance raising their teens. Visit Jerry's website Parenting Today's Teenagers [http://parenting-todays-teenager.com/] and sign up for his free report about raising teenagers. His friend Norbert Georget has written a book called "No-Nonsense Parenting for Today's Teenager" which I highly recommend!

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