The transition from primary school to junior high can be a difficult time for teenagers, and an even bigger challenge for parents. At a time when everything is changing, one Fayetteville mom and dad have had to learn as they go.
While Todd and Karen Shields are planners by nature, they say nothing could of prepared them for the change that would come when their two children hit junior high school.
"Right now, honestly, we are picking our battles and the battle is they have really good grades, their involved in church and involved in sports," says Todd.
Just as their teens were becoming more independent, Todd and Karen knew they had to get more involved by getting to know their friends and being relentless, when it comes to communication.
"A lot of times I'll talk to my son or daughter and then on Monday, they'll say nothing happens. But by Wednesday they are saying they are ready to talk. But maybe by Monday they weren't. If I wasn't being consistent with it I would of missed that whole process," says Todd.
If you can't get your teen to open up, University of Arkansas Psychologist and parenting expert, Doctor John Marr has the following advice.
"I try to get this across to parents. Sit down and talk to your child. Not just about the things they are supposed to do, not just about grades, also talk about you," says Dr. Marr.
When all else fails, the Shields family has found laughter to be the cure for juggling this sometimes awkward phase in their teens lives.
"As the kids go through junior high, it feels new for you, it feels new for everyone else...so a lot of times i think you feel like this is the only thing that's happening, but everyone is going through it."
For more parenting tips, Dr. Marr has written a book titled, The Behavior Modification Manuel: A Guide for Parents. It can be purchased at some Barnes and Noble locations.
While Todd and Karen Shields are planners by nature, they say nothing could of prepared them for the change that would come when their two children hit junior high school.
"Right now, honestly, we are picking our battles and the battle is they have really good grades, their involved in church and involved in sports," says Todd.
Just as their teens were becoming more independent, Todd and Karen knew they had to get more involved by getting to know their friends and being relentless, when it comes to communication.
"A lot of times I'll talk to my son or daughter and then on Monday, they'll say nothing happens. But by Wednesday they are saying they are ready to talk. But maybe by Monday they weren't. If I wasn't being consistent with it I would of missed that whole process," says Todd.
If you can't get your teen to open up, University of Arkansas Psychologist and parenting expert, Doctor John Marr has the following advice.
"I try to get this across to parents. Sit down and talk to your child. Not just about the things they are supposed to do, not just about grades, also talk about you," says Dr. Marr.
When all else fails, the Shields family has found laughter to be the cure for juggling this sometimes awkward phase in their teens lives.
"As the kids go through junior high, it feels new for you, it feels new for everyone else...so a lot of times i think you feel like this is the only thing that's happening, but everyone is going through it."
For more parenting tips, Dr. Marr has written a book titled, The Behavior Modification Manuel: A Guide for Parents. It can be purchased at some Barnes and Noble locations.
