Every parent has a “tool box”, a collection of methods that have proven helpful in the past. But when was the last time you added a new tool to your stash?

Sometimes I run into moms who overuse the “tool” of repetition. When their kids were young, reiteration was necessary to help children remember and obey. But when those children become teens, repetition loses its poignancy. It starts to be known as nagging.

If your tendency is to reach for the pestering tool every time you want to teach a lesson or encourage maturity or get something done at home, you’ll begin to push your teen away.

Maybe it’s time to add a new tool to your collection. This time, instead of nagging, just listen!

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