Here are a few ways that holding your kids accountable is a sign of love:

· You care enough to follow through and follow up. When it comes to important issues like underage drinking, it’s not enough to talk about it once and forget about it.  Regularly check in with your teens to make sure they’re following through with your expectations. Follow-up conversations are a must when it comes to accountability.

· You care enough to make sure they’re safe. Giving in to peer pressure and underage drinking can put your kids in an unsafe situation and can jeopardize their future. By holding them accountable to not engage in underage drinking, you’re keeping their best interests at heart and ensuring their personal safety.
· You care enough to trust them. It’s impossible to hold your kids accountable for something if you don’t give them the chance to prove themselves. Worrying about your teens is natural – and you should be asking questions about who they’re with and where they’re going. At the same time, loosening the reigns enough to show your teens that you trust them is a big step in growing their independence and your relationship.

· You care enough to tell them the truth. When you love someone, it’s important to always tell him or her the truth – even if that’s not what he or she wants to hear. If you’re upset with your teen’s actions or decisions, be honest about your feelings and your expectations.

· You care enough to give them space. Regular follow-ups should never be overbearing. Your teens need space and time to digest their feelings – be respectful of that. Too much reiteration of your expectations can come across as nagging, which may cause your teen to shut you out. Always communicate in a way that conveys love and concern, rather than scolding.

For more tips on communicating with your teens and holding them accountable, visit our website.