Solidifying values in our lives can take time and offer challenges. After all, values are ideas and principles we hold about what’s right and wrong. They affect our beliefs, our interests, and the choices and decisions we make. So, introducing our values to our teens and tweens may present challenges as well. Dr. Aletha Akers, in an article published by the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, explains the importance of effectively communicating values to our tweens and teens. As part of this learning path, Dr. Akers also offers thoughts in a short video about the need to hold high expectations for young people and how to be intentional when discussing those positive expectations. When children are young, they often learn from watching their parent and others they love and trust. Modeling values can make a difference. As they grow older and begin questioning the world around them, it’s important to allow teens space to clarify their own values and encourage them to ask questions.

This article was originally published by the Center for Parent and Teen Communication (CPTC). Read the original article here. CPTC offers science-based strategies known to strengthen family connections and empower parents to raise teens to be their best selves. Check out www.parentandteen.com, follow CPTC on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up for their newsletter to discover more helpful articles and videos like this.