Parenting A Teenager

Parenting is tough, right from taking care of them as babies to adults. It’s a never-ending job because no matter how old they get, no matter how much you push them to be independent, you’re always their mom and dad. One call from them will make any parent rush to help their child no matter the situation.

However, parenting is a challenge. When the kids are young, it is easy to teach them right from wrong, control them, explain things to them, and keep them safe. As they grow up, it gets less and less easy and more challenging to make them understand anything.

Teenage years are a nightmare. The rebellious phase seems to dawn along with their 13th birthday. It is the time of expressing themselves and trying out new things. And the control as a parent is over. It gets hard for parents and the child to even talk about the simplest things without getting into an argument.

Parents fail to realize that these are the growing years for the children.  As much as you want to shield them from the harm outside, there isn’t much protection that can be done. It is their time to learn from their mistakes.

But that doesn’t mean parents can’t advise and correct them; it is all we can do. We can try to talk to them and continue to teach them right from wrong.

However, if you are overly strict, the chances of getting your child to listen to you will fail. If you try to parent them the way your parents tried to, you will fail.

The older generation had not much contribution in trying to understand what their children needed. They didn’t try to be friends; it was always “our way or the highway.” This can be damaging.

The millennials and later generations have broken relationships with their parents only because of the lack of communication and willingness to learn and unlearn damaging old habits.

As a parent, you might feel like you are losing your child to the world outside when they start to rebel and stop sharing things with you.

But teens’ behavior is connected to the bond they share with their parents, how they feel with each other. It highly influences.

Here’s How You Can Be A Better Parent

Remember That You Are A Parent And A Friend

It is always essential that you create a level of comfort with your kids. Teenagers crave for security that parents provide and also for appreciation and love. They want to forge a friendship with this. They want to be able to talk about things without being judged. Open communication. While it is important to be friendly with your kids, it is always good to respect their privacy. They want to be independent, and that often feels like they are shutting you out. You can try to be close to them.

As long as you are accepting and have good communication no matter the situation, try to understand them and help them out. This way, they will always come to you.

Don’t Force Opinions

You can’t force people to do things the way you like. The same goes for advice for teenagers. You can help them, give them your views and reasons. And maybe even try to make them see it from your perspective and tell them to do it your way. But if they choose to go in another direction, don’t try to steer them to your path. Sometimes they should learn from their mistakes.

As they chose it themselves, they would have no one to blame and accept that it was their fault. And at that time, it is better not to rub our judgments on them; it would only push them away, instead guide them.

Open Communication

As much as this has been mentioned, it is vital to have open communication with your children on all topics. If they ask you something, it is better to explain to them rather than hushing it up, and they go looking for answers in the wrong places.

Open communication is vital for the mental health of the child. Having a parent with whom they can connect and open up is a blessing. You will understand your child better. They will not resort to the inappropriate use of substances to numb their pain. Instead, if you are there for them, listen to them and help them; they will feel more connected to you. Your relationship with your child will improve.

Always keep their secrets a secret. Don’t make them lose trust.

Have Bonding Sessions

Make time for them, take them out for ice-creams or shopping or something that they enjoy. Bond with them, listen to whatever they want to tell you, gossip or not. Be a friend, but also remember to be a good parent.

Cook and have meals with each other; family time is important for growth. For parents as well as children. Always try to connect with them, learn new things, and tell them old teenage stories from your past. It creates a bond; it makes them realize that you were once a youngster and that you have had fun as well. You were not always the parent but have been the kid and know how to pass this phase.

The teenage years might be difficult to navigate, to understand your children. It might be challenging for you to connect with them, to be a friend and a responsible adult. In tough situations, always remember to be the parent that you needed when you were a teenager. When you do that, it helps you to understand your child better and be compassionate to them.  This phase will pass, and they’ll be back to being your loving kids again.