- Hi, I'm Jay Laga'aia. Now, you might remember me from Play School, back when your kids were little. It's a lot different now that they're teenagers, huh?
We as parents do everything we can to help our kids, right? It's a hard habit to break. But now that they're older, they don't seem to want it. 
The thing is, we're so used to telling them what to do it's easy to forget that they need to start figuring some things out on their own. 
And sometimes, they just don't want to hear what they're doing wrong. What they do love hearing though, is what they're doing right. I mean, who doesn't? 
When it comes to praising your kids, don't think that you have to lay it on thick. Teenagers can sniff out a phoney , so resist the temptation to pump up their egos. 
Giving teenagers regular sincere praise, however, does let them know that they're on the right track, and it helps strengthen the bond between the two of you. Dads, I'm talking to you, too. 
Here are some ideas to get you started. 
Keep it casual - You don't have to make a big fuss, but if your teenager does something nice like helping with the dinner, acknowledge it, 'That was nice of you sweetheart.' Plants love water. 
Be specific - If your teenager puts on a load of laundry, don't just say thanks, say thanks for helping with the laundry. Remember it's the action and not the outcome. Because there may be towels in with your nice clothes. But smile and redo the washing later. 
Put effort ahead of ability - How well they do is not as important as just doing it. For example, if you ask them to take their washing to the laundry and they throw it down in front of the washing machine. Next time, open the washing machine up and suggest that they may try for two points and throw it into the washing machine, it'll work. 
Encouragement is the manure for the soil - Comparing your child with a friend or sibling can be harmful, but by encouraging them to keep improving, you can continue to build on their self esteem. 
Be positive - If your happy and you know it, clap your hands. If your praise is sincere and positive, you are helping to build a confident teen who has faith in their ability and your word.