The more financial knowledge we can help our older teens acquire, the better their money management skills will be. From the basic knowledge, such as knowing how to write a check, to the more complex, such as being able to discern between good and not-so-hot credit card terms, our teens need to leave the nest prepared to use their financial knowledge as a useful tool in creating their life. Here are three points to make sure you cover with your teen:

#1. Understanding Financial Terms. A CD is more than just a way of listening to music. It's also a way to save money. Don't assume your teen knows exactly what different savings instruments are available to them or how they work. Knowing how a traditional savings account differs from a CD or exactly what a money market or mutual fund is, is information they need to know in order to eventually make wise decisions about where to place their money. Be sure they also know the difference between a bank, credit union and brokerage house, as well as between a US Treasury bill, note and bond.

If you are a parent then you know how much happiness children can give you. But you also aware of the tough times and situations you had to go through when raising them. Parenting a child can be difficult. Even the most patient and careful parents can make mistakes. Here are 9 tips to help you become a good parent.

1. Love your children.
Alright I know you love your children but how do you show that love? Do you tell them everyday that you love them? Do you kiss them often? Do you hug them? Always tell your children how special they are. Tell them how much they mean to you and give them lots of hugs and kisses.

Tip 1

Never treat children as inferiors. I’m often amazed at the attitude of people. Some people think that a child is only a half a person and cannot contribute anything until it has reached adulthood. I have learnt more about myself from my kids than any other person living on this earth. Just think how you feel when your boss, spouse, partner or colleague gives you the impression that they are cleverer, more experienced and better than you. Would you agree that it doesn’t feel like a good place to be in?

Tip 2

Don’t kill personalities by saying things like Oh you’ll never amount to anything with that attitude. If your parents said it to you it may be possible that you’re just repeating the same old stuff. This is not true. People can amount to anything they want to be. The only thing holding them back is a set of false beliefs. So refrain from programming them into believing they’ll never amount to being anything.

Personal growth and parenting aren't often words put together in the same sentence. Yet parenting provides the perfect opportunity for growth. And not just for our child's growth, but for our own. If we really want to bring out the best in our children, we need to call forth the best in ourselves. 9 Ways to Bring out the Best in You and Your Child is a brand new book that provides a blueprint for parents to empower their children and themselves, rather than struggling for control. Nine chapters describe how you and your family can live together creatively, harmoniously and authentically.

Communication and understanding are crucial to every relationship, and especially in a relationship with a teenager. If you are a parent, youth worker, counsellor or teacher, this article contains practical tips to keeping the lines of communication open with the teenagers in your world.