Douglas Haddad is an award-winning middle school teacher, international speaker, and best-selling author of the book “The Ultimate Guide to Raising Teens and Tweens: Strategies for Unlocking Your Child’s Full Potential”. He has taught over 3,000 students in 23 years as an educator, working with children from all different backgrounds and abilities. Today, Douglas joins Larry to talk about his book and gives valuable advice to all listeners, whether they have a direct or indirect impact on a child's life. 

Raising children can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to the teenage years. However, there are 3 keys that can help parents navigate this difficult period: Love, Listen, and Respect. 

The first key is Love. Douglas explained that all children desire to feel loved. This is the foundation for a strong bond between parent and child. When a child knows that their parents will always have their back even during difficult times, it opens the door for communication. 

The second key is to Listen. Douglas noted that children want to be heard and understood. This means more than just hearing what they have to say; it means listening to understand, not to reprimand. It is important to let children know that their thoughts and feelings are valued. 

The last key is Respect. Children desire to be accepted and respected. When they enter the teenage years, they start to break away from their parents and look to their peers for acceptance. It is important to show respect for the decisions they make, even if they are not what you would choose. 

When parents show these three qualities, it helps to create a strong bond between parent and child. It also helps children to feel valued and respected, which is essential for their development. By applying these three keys, parents can ensure that their children will grow up to be successful and independent.

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Never Give Up No Matter What by Mason Hagner