Back in my day…
Adolescent behaviors that would have gotten you grounded in your grandparents’ day are now considered healthy self-expression. As parents, you have the right to set the ground rules for respectful behavior in your home. It helps to do this before your teen starts testing you. One useful adolescent parenting tool is a Respect Inventory. Knowing where you stand helps you (and all the adult caregivers in your home) react consistently and also creates a framework for teaching character by establishing guidelines for your teenager's behavior.
Acceptable?
| | Always | Sometimes | Never |
| Profanity | | | |
| Physical force | | | |
| Body language (rolling eyes, heavy sighs, etc.) | | | |
| Whining | | | |
| Yelling | | | |
| Interrupting | | | |
| Walking out/leaving a discussion | | | |
| Locking bedroom door when angry | | | |
| Refusing to join in family activities (vacations, family time, holiday activities) | | | |
| Refusing to participate in religious education/activities | | | |
| Breaking established dress code (clothes/makeup/hair) | | | |
Tip: While you are filling out your Respect Inventory, ask the rest of your family members to fill one out, too. It might surprise you to discover which of your behaviors feel disrespectful to your teen. Talk over the inventory and find a compromise position, if possible, for each of the eleven points.