246. The Child at 15

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials focuses on the 15 year old today in her series "The Child at ___". The 15 year old is similar to the 9 year old that needs to know they are loved and often embraced with a hug. But they also are feeling the need for more independence as well. Book mentioned "Between Form and Freedom" Things to be prepared for with the 15 year old. - Have a family plan on how you talk about sex and your families values around it. - We have an open door policy. If they are in their room with friends, the door stays open. - Take the time to get to know their friends. They are going to want to be spending more time with their friends and you want to know what kind of influence their friends will have on them. - Food. They might be wanting to branch out from your healthier home habits. Melisa shares that she does not give them money to go buy "bad food". The money they earn, they can do with as they please. This could be a good time to watch documentaries educating the importance of food.  - Girls and boys can be much different going through the 15 year change. Be prepare when you have multiple children it can be different for each. - Never read a diary or their messages. Honor their privacy and also be available when they are wanting to talk. This is an important time for them. Things that happen at 15 could stick with them to 40! - For girls, offer a paper for them to write down what they need from the store so they don't have to announce out loud feminine products they need re stocked. - Physical movement is very important as well as self defense. Karate has always been great for the Nielsen family. You can also find us on all podcast platforms "Waldorf Essentials" Please share with your fellow parenting friends and homeschoolers. We are in this journey together. If you found this content helpful please consider making a donation to our non profit. Every child should have access to a whole education. While we work hard to keep our virtual school tuition and curriculum prices affordable, there will always be families that desire this education but can not afford it. It is our deepest desire to help those families. https://www.aurielslight.org Auriel's Light is a non profit and all donations are tax deductible. https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/waldorfessentials/_created/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WaldorfMelisa