Your twelve-year-old is working to assert their independence while still being dependent. They will naturally test limits and break rules. Although this is challenging for parents and those in a parenting role, it is a normal part of your child’s/teen’s development and necessary for their learning. Now is the right time to engage your child/teen in learning how to manage their own behaviors, solve problems, and make healthy choices. The information provided in this podcast from ParentingMontana.org will provide you with a process and tools to use today to help your child/teen develop the social and emotional skills needed for a successful future. When you approach daily interactions with your child/teen using the tools shared in this podcast, you build the trusting relationship needed to navigate challenges today and in years to come. Parents and those in a parenting role have many proud moments as well as worries with each stage of their child’s/teen’s life. Parenting is not easy and is a big responsibility. ParentingMontana.org has resources for each age as your parenting needs evolve with your child’s/teen’s growth. The Montana Department of Health and Human Services partnered with the Center for Health and Safety Culture at Montana State University to encourage healthy mental, emotional, and behavioral development through ParentingMontana.org. Although the process and tools were created in Montana, the need for building parenting skills is relevant to parents everywhere. This podcast, brought to you by ParentingMontana.org, will teach you to engage your child/teen by using a five-step process: Gain Input, Teach, Practice, Support, and Recognize. Using this process in your daily interactions with your child/teen enables you to address specific parenting challenges while nurturing your relationship. As your parenting needs change with your child’s/teen’s growth, you will already be comfortable with the five-step process. Solid communication skills along with a healthy relationship enable parents and those in a parenting role to engage their child/teen to work through struggles. The ability to engage your child/teen in communicating and problem solving cultivates the skills necessary for lifelong success. The tools available for parenting your twelve-year-old include: Anger, Back Talk, Bullying, Chores, Confidence, Conflict, Discipline, Establishing Rules About Alcohol, Friends, Homework, Listening, Lying, Mixed Messages About Alcohol, Peer Pressure, Reading, Routines, and Stress. Listen now to invest in yourself as a parent, and your child/teen will benefit for a lifetime!