It’s no secret that kids, and teenagers specifically, can be less than fun to deal with some days. As their parents, it can be easy to take them for granted, and to get stuck in a rut that seems to work like a well-oiled machine.
It might do us all good to take a gander at this Tumblr thread, though, because it’s pretty wild how much a simple, positive interaction can impact kids of all ages.
The thread begins with the simple truth that too many people spend too much time criticizing their teens instead of building them up.
Image Credit: Cheezburger
Which led naturally into this anecdote about managing teenagers at work.
Image Credit: Cheezburger
And then this kid jumped in with some advice on how parents can do better.
Image Credit: Cheezburger
The ultimate kid-pleaser, a Disney cast member, jumped in on the conversation then.
Her bottom line? Kids deserve to be validated.
Image Credit: Cheezburger
Just give them a chance to engage with you about the things they love, and don’t judge them when they do.
Image Credit: Cheezburger
The kids will be more alright if you tell them they’re all right.
Image Credit: Cheezburger
This isn’t the message you want to give your kids, right?
Image Credit: Cheezburger
“Best” isn’t always a good thing, when you get right down to it.
Image Credit: Cheezburger
So, think about how you interact with your kiddos, no matter their age.
Your words and your attention mean so much more than you might think.