Definitely. Studies show parents can have the most dramatic impact on their children's behavior if they clearly define what they expect their children to do (and not do) within the context of close family connectedness. According to the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health, parental disapproval of their teen being sexually active and of their teen using contraceptives are significant factors that influence the delay of the onset of sexual activity in teenagers. (Resnick, M.D. et al. (1997, September). Protecting Adolescents from Harm-Findings from the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health. Journal of the American Medical Association, 278(10), 823-832.)

Four A's of Parenting

What do children need to make good decisions and avoid the negative consequences of unhealthy decisions? Parents need to give their children love and limits. Practicing the 4 A’s can help you to give your children what they need for healthy and happy futures.

Affection
Affection helps a child to feel loved. Affection is important because a child who knows he/she is loved will feel secure, confident and connected. He/she will be more open to advice and correction. Communicating love requires creativity. Every child is different and needs to be told "I love you" in a variety of ways.

Affirmation
Affirmation says to a child: "You are important and valuable." Children need encouragement and validation. Giving words of affirmation helps a child to feel confident and builds their self-esteem. Communicating affirmation can be done in several ways – by giving sincere compliments, thanks, recognition and attentively listening to what a child has to say. All of these acts communicate respect and recognition of a child's importance.

Advice
Advice is a way to pass on our values to our children. We do this by giving clear instruction and making our expectations known to them. Advice is important because children need guidance, direction and limits in order to grow into responsible adults. The best instruction comes from modeling the desired behavior ourselves.

Accountability
Accountability means that we keep track of what happened and teach our children the importance of accepting the consequences of their actions and making corrections when needed. Children need to know that there are consequences for the choices they make.

Teen Integrity Volunteer Opportunities! Fundraising Mail Team Office assistant (Word & Excel) Graphic Designer Marketing Consulting Make a difference. Join the team. Volunteer today…