Parents are the most important caring adults in a teen’s life. But teens will be most successful if they have other caring adults behind them too.

That’s why a teen’s healthy relationship with a teacher, coach or other adult friend is something to celebrate.

Another trusted adult in your teen’s life can:

• Increase your teen’s sense of self-worth. Knowing someone is in his corner when they don’t have to be will make your teen feel valuable.
• Help your teen make contacts. Another adult may have access to someone you don’t, such as a potential employer or leader of a youth group.
• Recommend your teen. No matter what your teen does after high school, chances are he will need a good recommendation from an adult who is not related to him.

And don’t forget that mentoring another teen is a role you can play, too. Encourage your teen to bring his friends to your house. Let them know you are glad to have them there. They will come to see you as another adult in their lives they can trust and rely on.

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