Why You Must Have Hard Conversations With Your Child

Don’t let someone else do your job, parents; have those hard conversations with your child!

The Talk

Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul. Proverbs 29:17

Your Walk

As much as the schools want to take over a parent’s job, it will only happen if you let it.

Don’t shy away from having uncomfortable or embarrassing conversations with your child. Comfort zones are not for parents. It’s your job to bring up topics and talk about important issues with your child, because chances are pretty likely he or she is already talking about them and is not hearing what you have to say on the matter.

You be the one to talk to your child about bullying and cliques.

You be the one to make your child aware of stranger danger and what to do when approached by a stranger.

You be the one to talk do your child about honesty, integrity, and treating others with respect.

You be the one to explain the danger of drugs and drinking, and texting and driving.

You be the one to talk to your child (before everyone else warps their perception) about sex.

Don’t abdicate your parental job to an unreliable school system. Even though there are many wonderful teachers out there–my daughter is one of them–your child will still encounter things you don’t like and if you are being a pro-active parent, you and your child will not be caught off-guard when issues arise.

Purpose to work on having those hard conversations this next year with your child. That also means you must be attentive to what is going on at school, in the neighborhood, and on his or her sports team.

If you need guidance or help with parenting issues, please email me at janisbmeredith@gmail.com. I am a life coach with 29 years of parenting experience and I would love to help you with the challenges you are facing.