Hi – Sue Blaney here with your Parenting Tip from Parenting Teens Info.com

My tip this week is Wag more, bark less. >>Listen

These lovely words of wisdom came from a bumper sticker that I saw last week, and I can’t get it out of my mind. It’s made me think about all that we can learn from our loving pets… which provides some food for thought as we raise our teenagers.

Here are some simple lessons from our four legged friends. Consider the questions they raise:

• Live in the moment.  How often do you get caught up in the challenges at work or in life, and allow them to interfere with your ability to be fully present with your family? Somedays you only have a few precious moments with your teenager; live in the moment and tune in fully.
• Words aren’t necessary to show you care. How many times have you been comforted by the sweet gentle attention shown by your dog? He doesn’t use words, yet his communication is powerful and soothing. Consider how you can – wordlessly - be supportive and soothing to your teenager.   
• There is always time for play, and it is always playtime. The way we spend our time really is about our choices. How available are you for your teenager? What choices can you make that will enable you to play more often and connect with your teen?
• Welcome everyone home joyfully. Walking into the house to be greeted enthusiastically by your dog is a highlight of any day. The message you get is you are important, and she’s so happy you are home at last. What message does your teen get from you when she arrives home?  
• Dinnertime is joyous. How does dinner work in your family? Is it an opportunity for joyous reconnection?
• Unconditional love is pure love. Think about how your dog showers love on you. You can do no wrong; this love is given selflessly and without judgment. That’s the kind of love that reaches people at their core, and makes them know they are truly valued.  

We’ve had our beloved dog Sara for going on 15 years now, and I’ve learned so much from her. I hope that, whether you have your own dog or not, you can remember to wag more and bark less…and consider these other wonderful lessons.

Thanks for subscribing to my Two-Minute Tips for Parenting Teens……. ‘Til next week…I'm Sue Blaney