Parenting teens is an adventure. Our family will be embarking on a new type of adventure over the next few weeks, aimed to help give fresh and new perspectives and to give my teens the opportunity to practice leading. Each of my guys, ages 17, 15, and 12, will be “in charge” for a week. During their week, they will take on the role of parent and have all the responsibilities and privileges that entails. I will be required to humble myself, step aside and follow. It will give me an opportunity to experience the priorities, thoughts, and actions that I have passed on. It will give them a chance to express their strengths, struggle with decisions, and even make mistakes. It may be an equal learning experience for us all!
What does this mean? As the leader of the family, during their week each will be responsible for managing schedules, grocery shopping, paying bills, fixing meals, assigning chores, determining consequences, and making all decisions. Obviously, I will need to teach some new skills, give options, and provide money and transportation, but beyond that, the rest is up to them!
As our kids grow, parenting becomes less about “telling” and more about “guiding”. Letting go is tough, but necessary. Too often we hold our kids back because of our insecurities, our fears, or our needs. We have taught them our values and as teens it is time for them to wrestle with and discover theirs. We can and should continue to teach, encourage, and model, but ultimately they are becoming individuals with their own thoughts and opinions and we need to begin to step back. We need to provide opportunities for them to practice within a safe environment before they are on their own and have to do it for real!
First up is Dan, my youngest. He’s already talking about limiting my computer time if I don’t get my chores done. I guess I should get moving! At least I know there will be desserts this week! 
Check back to see how this all goes!!
Filed under: Family, Leadership, Love, Parenting, Single Parent, Teens
This is a great idea. Thank you for sharing your heart for you guys with us. Developing others is key trait of a leader and you are providing an incredible role model for that. Another trait that you are teaching is humility and not needing to control others another trait that you are displaying to your boys. I really truly love this idea!
This should be a good experience for your boys.
This is great…Tim was telling me about it today. I cant wait to see how it all works out!!
What a really cool idea! Thanks for sharing! (((((HUGS))))) sandi
Rindy, I’m looking so forward to hearing how this goes! What an amazing opportunity you’re given them and yourself! I have a 15 year old and depending how things turn out for you, I just may try it too.
So i think you emailed me but it ended up in my spam box and got accidentally deleted. Sorry, i didn’t get to read what you wrote back to me!
scary, scary, scary! The letting go I mean. As tiring as it is to constantly be “advising” my toddlers, at least I’m in control! My husband is better at stepping back than I. Can’t wait to hear how y’all do! Eye opening on both sides I’m sure.
What a great idea! We were just discussing with my 14-year old the importance of having opportunities for responsibilities…real responsibilities like you suggested where the family feels consequences when somebody doesn’t come through.
I’m amazed that you decided to try this. But the fact that you are doing it 3 weeks in a row? Wow! Good luck to you
I love Donny!!!!!!!!!!!
Janet
whats up donny see u at the rink
[...] one of my kids in charge is ending! I shared how my guys are taking turns running the house in Leadership in Action and let’s say it has been a learning experience for us all—yes, I will be sharing this [...]