Worried You're a Lawnmower Parent? Follow These Steps to Nip It in the Bud

Did your sophomore get detention? Fail that history quiz she barely studied for? Forgot his gym clothes for the umpteenth time? It happens! Instruct your teen to approach their teacher or coach first in a calm and respective manner before you jump on the phone to defend them. If they still can't solve the problem, then it's OK to intervene. However, the authority figures in their lives usually appreciate it more when the discussion stems from the student in question, not Mom or Dad.