Wherever you are on your journey of motherhood, don't miss hearing Karen's perspective on the high school years! The more you learn early on, the better off you'll be when you do get to those high school years.

This season is all about gradually letting go of control so your child can leave your nest prepared for the wider world. Hear Karen's tips about helping your child earn trust, about the importance of letting them fail, and don't miss the one thing Karen says moms absolutely must not do during high school.

Links from today’s show:

Generation Z Unfiltered by Tim Elmore

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Question 1: What’s the Bottom Line for our kids during high school? 

Karen’s Answer:  Whew! High school! This season is all about getting ready to let go of control so when your child graduates they are ready.  You don’t let go the freshman year, but slowly ease off so much control starting the freshman year. Keep in mind with freedom brings responsibility.  If your child doesn’t act mature or like they can handle the freedom then don’t give so much to them.  

Great time to earn trust and gain freedom.

Question 2: What milestones are our kids hitting during this season? 

Karen’s Answer: Milestones- Is your child responsible with their school work, sport, job, around the house, etc? 

Does your child take ownership of his failures and work towards improvement? 

Does your child respect their authority? Does your child have a job? Fill out college application? Responsible for car? Sets their own meetings with school counselors with their own progress.  Time management.

Question 3: What are common things that moms get distracted by in this season? 

Karen’s Answer: We panic when our teen takes the above steps, so we jump in and rescue them. DON’T! Sit your teen down and lay out the consequences of their actions or lack of actions.  But, don’t rescue them.

Question 4: What questions should we be asking our kids during this season?

Karen’s Answer: The questions you ask indicate what is important to you as a parent.  Be mindful of the questions you are asking. What did you do on that test. Shows grades are important to you. 

Say, “Tell me what you are thinking”

“Let’s talk about your options”

 “Walk me through your steps here”

What are your interests? What do you get excited about. What are you doing when you are the most happy? 

What do you dream about? 

What causes you the most anxiety? What have you tried that helps you with that? What causes you to be overwhelmed?

Question 5: Who else is involved in keeping us and our kids on track during this season? Who should we be asking for help during this stage?

Karen’s Answer: Small group leaders at church, counselors at school, teachers. A great resource to read is Generation Z Unfiltered by Tim Elmore (linked above). Really, anyone that is older who your child thinks is wise!

Show Credits: hosted by Karen Stubbs with Sunny Williams, written & produced by Katie Leipprandt, edited by Kyle Cummings

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