Your preteen might act nonchalantly toward you. But what you think about him matters a lot to him.

To feel good about himself, he needs your encouragement, acceptance and approval.

Make sure you take time this summer to show your child a little encouragement. Try some of these things:

• Thank your child.
• Ask for his opinion.
• Say, “I agree.”
• Smile.
• Give a hug.
• Give a pat on the back.
• Listen and repeat what he says.
• Give your child a challenge, saying you know he can do it.
• Be really interested in what your child does.
• Spend time together.
• Laugh at your child’s stories and jokes.
• Refrain from criticizing.
• Ask for your child’s help.
• Ask how you can help.
• Note how your child is unique and special.
• Say when you’re impressed.
• Let your child overhear you bragging about one of his accomplishments.
• Trust your child.
• Let him make decisions.
• Mention small efforts.
• Don’t bring up past problems.
• Remember successes.
• Accept your child as he is.
• Tell your child, “We all make mistakes.”

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