How To Get the Most Out of Your Teenager on Mother's Dayby Denise Witmer Since most holidays mean so much work for the moms of the world, the second Sunday of May is the only true day of rest that you can enjoy. Now that your children aren't little anymore, here's how to get the most out of them. Difficulty: Hard Time Required: at least two weeks Here's How:- Teenagers learn through repetition, so remind them early and often. Use notes, discuss it at dinner and tape a poster on the ceiling above their bed. A simple "Mother's Day is coming!" repeated 1000 times will go a long way.
- Set clear expectations. Place a note with your wants on the refrigerator. Be concise. Example: '1.) Breakfast in Bed - complete with dishes washed afterwards; 2.) Flowers - from a florist, not the neighbor's garden; etc'.
- Avoid mixed messages. Let your teen know, loud and clear, that although you have been harping on them to clean their room for the last month, if they do this on Mother's Day it will NOT be considered a gift to you.
- Don't miss any opportunity for open communication. When your teenager asks for something, like a ride somewhere, start your answer with, "You know, Mother's Day is only (insert # of days) days away." Do this before you answer them.
- It takes a whole village to raise a teenager. So get on the phone with your teenager's friend's mom and share your strategies.
- Create a unified front with your husband. If he is unwilling at first to help with your cause, remind him that whatever your teenagers are unable to do for you on Mother's Day, he will be expected to accomplish.
- Set the consequences beforehand. Do this by reminding your teenager that not only will you always be their mother, you will also someday be the grandmother to their children. The possibilities for revenge here are endless.
- If your teen expresses how uncool it is to conform to the commercialism of society by observing Mother's Day, tell them that you are proud of their views. Then inform them that K-Mart is having a sale on jeans.
- If all else fails, guilt should be employed. No need for exaggeration, the detailed story of their birth, including the number of hours you were in labor, will do.
Tips:- Keep in mind that you're in this for the long haul; should anything fall short of your expectations this Mother's Day, begin your strategy for next year a little earlier. The Monday after should work.
- Do you feel you have open communication with your teen?
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