This post is for all parents that have not one, not two, but more than three teenagers in their home. I usually am greeted with surprise when others ask me how many kids I have. My answer is always…6…5 teens and 1 seven year old. Of course, they look at me as if I must be crazy for to most I don’t appear to be old enough to have such a brood. In all ways, I take this as a compliment. Who wouldn’t? But it goes without mention that to raise this group of teens requires innovative skill and a gigantic heaping of patience! So here is my take of raising a herd of hormones.
10 Tips For Raising a Herd of Hormones
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Have plenty of shaving cream fights for emotional outlet
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Always start your inquiry of their whereabouts or life with an upbeat question
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Never corner them when they are on an anger down load; instead gently lead them to talk about it with soft questions that let them know you are listening NOT instructing
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Play LOTS of games
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Encourage Truth by rewarding them when they are honest, even when the truth is NOT what you want to hear
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Keep conversations simple and always probe gently: remember, you have crossed over as a coach
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Make yourself approachable: if you are always complaining about something or other, they will not see it fit to share with you what is bothering them.
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BOUNDARIES!!! They may hate them, but they will learn to love where you are unshakable. I’m not talking about doctrinal beliefs, just logical, what makes you you.
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Laugh and Laugh and Laugh!
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And allow yourself the joy of watching them learn from their own mistakes, and being there when they need you most.
True success is never allowing someone the ability to make you mad, because if they did, they have already won. Teach this concept to your teen and above all, to love the rewards of honesty.
Loving my teens,
Shawna R. Strickland
Tool-box 4 Parents 
As the grandma, I can cheerfully say I’m glad I have passed the baton to the younger generation! Wait a minute….or have I? Now I have sons-in-law… and grandkids…and great grandkids…..Oh my, I’m still herding hormones!!!!