Having the hard conversation with your kids

1w ago1 min read

Just had to sit down with my teenager about some poor choices he was making. It would've been easier to let it slide but that's not how you raise a man. I told him straight up what disappointed me and why, listened to his side, and explained what I expected going forward. No yelling, no lecturing for hours. Just clear expectations and consequences. Felt like I was having a conversation with an adult, which I think was the point. He needs to know his actions have weight and his choices matter. It's uncomfortable but it's necessary.

6 comments129 views

Comments(6)

TTom M.Regular1w ago

Those conversations are brutal but they're also the ones that matter most. I told my son once that getting mad won't help but having the hard talk will. Took a few tries but we got there. Stick with it.

SScott M.Regular1w ago

Those conversations are the hardest part of parenting, honestly. But they're also the most important. Did he respond okay or is he still processing it?

RRobertRegular1w ago

The easier route never sticks though. You did the right thing. My dad had to do the same with me once and I hated it in the moment but respected him for it later.

CChris M.New Dad1w ago

The fact that you sat down and had that conversation instead of avoiding it says everything about the kind of dad you are. My kids remember the hard talks way more than the easy ones.

CChris M.Regular1w ago

Props for having that conversation. I've been dreading a similar talk with my oldest about some stuff he's been doing at school. How did you even start the conversation without making it feel like a lecture?

TTom M.Regular1w ago

Man, I'm dreading this stage with my oldest. How did you approach it? Just laid everything out or tried to get him to figure it out himself first?