If you have a teen at home, you have a treasure right under your roof and I am sure that more often than not, it does not feel like a treasure!! I so remember those teen days - this is the first year of our children's lives that none of them are teens. We now have moved into the arena of "young adults" which I can tell you is a sub-category all in its own, not entirely different from "teens" in many ways!!

Teens are pushing through that ugly, hard, horrid transition of life from child to adulthood and they desperately need a safe place to do it. Maybe it's a good day to check your teens home environment. It used to be you checked for safety issues like plugging up all the outlets in your house, locking cabinet doors, covering those wicked edged coffee tables, etc. Now it's time to do a safety check for teens.

Is your teen able to express herself with freedom and support? Without the fear of being crushed in spirit in the process?

Does your teen live with reasonable limits on things like curfews, chores, contributing financially to their own needs such as clothing and cars, and expectations?

Is anyone home to make your home a safe place??

Do you know who your teen hangs out with at school, work, and during free times? Do you know them well???

Are you showing your teen how to have healthy habits in areas like weight, exercise and fitness, food choices, quiet times, etc.?

Do you value your teen and show her that you value her? Don't be afraid to indulge her with your love. Teens are like sponges and they will soak up every drop of love they can get. Pour it on!

Look at your teen as the treasure she is. She is here in this life with a purpose and a plan. What a privilege for you to be a part of this! Enjoy. They will be gone before you know what hit you!

Big hugs, Kath