Climbing Mt. Hood

Tomorrow we leave to climb Mt. Hood with our good friends Jamee and Dennese. We are very excited. Kind of looks daunting in the picture above, huh? I would definitely say that I am more of a "Back-Packer" in that I enjoy hiking around mountains or up and down the smaller stuff (okay, it's mostly just snow I don't like to throw in the mix), but I'd be lying if I didn't say I was super excited to tackle this.
I did get a little concerned earlier this week. I ALWAYS get a little nervous when Will and I BOTH leave the kids at the same time (am I alone in that?). I just worry about the what if's. Then I realized that Jamee and Dennese are a bit of our back up plan with our kids, and they are coming with us too. Then.......a friend called to tell me that someone had fallen and died on Hood on Tuesday (sadly, but luckily, that happened on the other side of the mountain than where we will be climbing. We will be fine.). Anyway......It will all come together and the kids are super excited to spend a few days with Taylor and Bobbie who are coming to watch them for us.

In the meantime, I saw this on someone's blog from their notes from Women's Conference. I thought it was a good reminder and worth passing along.


Parenting Teenagers Effectively

1) Do your homework. (I loved this one.) Don't expect heartfelt, meaningful conversations if you don't put the effort in. Be prepared with thoughtful, pertinent questions specific to that child's needs. Know each of your child's specific interests (and realize that yes, they most probably are different than yours gosh darn it!), and embrace them. Show them what matters to them matters to you. Work your day around them. You are the mother and that is your #1 job...plan ahead.

2) Be quick to show compassion and slow to judge. Nothing cuts off conversation more quickly than judgment. LISTEN or you will short-circuit future conversations. First try to understand, then to be understood. Being judgmental will stop your child from bringing worries or concerns to you in the future...they won't want to "let you down." Change doesn't come through criticism. Use words like "wow," "really," and "how does that make you feel?" (Love that part too.) We need to evaluate what incentive we give our kids to really talk.

3) Demonstrate patience and respect...Ask before offering advice. Just talk, don't have ulterior motives in what you say. Quality conversations don't happen without listening. Maintain eye contact, don't multitask, ask permission to share thoughts, don't offer unsolicited help. Ask them for advice.

4) Find chances to point them toward Christ. Don't put yourself between spirituality and your teenager. Help them have that relationship. When they have a tough choice or circumstance ask if they've prayed about it. Teach them to what source they should ultimately go for help.

5) Don't avoid technology. It's not going away. It can be a tool or a weapon...we can make it a great tool. Take out time to monitor and teach your teenager appropriate ways to handle technology. (Cell phone, texting etiquette, etc.)