Just your “being there” also helps. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association notes that, “teenagers were less likely to experience emotional distress if their parents were in the home when they awoke, when they came home from school, at dinnertime, and when they went to bed, and if they engaged in activities with their parents…”
And, don’t worry about the grumbling that you might hear from your teens when you make them reschedule their lives so you can be together. They really do want to be with you, but they need you to help them make it happen. Guess what one recent study by the Associated Press revealed: The number one activity that kids between the ages of 13 and 24 said makes them happy is spending time with family.
Make it a point to look for help in creating family time. A great website containing a wealth of free tips is www.FamilyLife.com. At FamilyLife.com you will also discover practical help for conquering the most common parenting issues – it is a comprehensive resource for any parent who wants to have a closer relationship with their spouse and children.
Mom and Dad, you are vital to the happiness and well-being of your sons and daughters. The modern culture won’t tell you that, but your gut, the facts, and your children’s’ lives testify of your power. Your opportunity to enjoy and shape them when they are in your home will disappear before your eyes. Don’t let another year go by without making them the priority.