Get down on their level. When your children were toddlers, you crawled around on your hands and knees to put protectors into electrical outlets and locks on cabinets. Now’s the time to do that figuratively. Learn what makes your 12-year-old tick. Watch television with her and listen to her music.

Be crazy with your kids once in a while. Just like you baby-talked and cooed when they were infants, show them that you still understand them — at least a little bit! You don’t have to participate in basement-level humor, but can’t you loosen up once a week or so? Think about it: This is why kids love their youth pastors, who often do crazier things than they do.

Let them be themselves around friends. On their turf — school, the neighborhood and parties — try to set aside your feelings and “let your kid be a kid.” At the same time, encourage them not to behave in such a way that would offend other people.

Balance their “diets.” If you sense that your kids aren’t maturing when it comes to humor, look at what’s tickling their funny bones. A lot of kids decide what’s humorous from movies and TV shows geared to their age group. Let them watch some of these shows (if you approve), but also pick things for them to do. Maybe have them read a book now and then! Choose a classier or more mature fare — and watch or read with your kids.

Praise them for their maturity. You might think your praise is going in one ear and out the other, but some of it actually sticks along the journey! Even if your kids seem to distance themselves from you sometimes, they still always desire your approval. Sincerely and specifically, let them know when they’ve acted appropriately in situations.