Parenting Teenagers
Parenting teenagers is one of the most crucial aspect in parenting journeys. No wonder “How can I be a better parent to my teenager?” has become one of the common questions parents always ask.
Every parent should understand that the teen stage is a transitional stage. A period of change, withdrawal, discovery and transformation. Teenagers at this stage know how they feel, whether good or bad.
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Raising a teenager well is comparable to raising a great and admirable adult.
Tips to parenting teenagers
For me, these are some of the most useful tips for parents to get the best out of their Teenagers;
- Help them set standards for themselves
Parenting a teenager can be smooth, when the teen has a set of values. At the teenage stage, certain rules and family values may not be upheld due to peer influence.
It is important for your teenagers to know the reasons behind every set value. Upon knowing these, allow your teenagers to set theirs. Let them put down these values, as well as the consequences of going contrary to them.
Allow them to point at people who have made the mistakes of going contrary to their set values.
When teenagers set standards for themselves, it creates a sense of responsibility.
2. Be a friend:
To parent teenagers you have to be a friend, confidant, lover and above all a motivator. Most teenagers say their parents don’t have time to talk to them.
Their friends make time for them, so do likewise. Your teen may not always agree with you. Let them speak but ensure you make them understand that they need to be polite. This would help them learn to manage emotional and physical conflict.
3. Stay up to date with trends your teenager loves:
Staying up to date with teens trends makes parenting . Parents are busy with work and not being able to stay up to date with happenings around teenagers.
As parents, be the conversation starter on teenager trending issues. Get to know what music, movies are trending for your teens.
4. Let them have their privacy:
Mood swing is common among teenagers. When observed, give them space. Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are causes of mood swing.
These hormones will influence how they think about dating and sex. As hormones boost, teens become much more interested in sex.
When there is a swing in your teen’s mood, give them space while you ensure you have your eyes on them. You may see them cry, that is part of the mood swing. Let them know they have your shoulder to cry on.
Allow them the privacy to cry or pace around their room with the door closed if they need it. Provide comfort and let your teen know you are available if they need to talk.
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5. Ask them about their friends and feelings:
It is only natural to listen to and learn from friends. This is the reason why so many children and even adults love friends.
To solve the impact of peer pressure as well as parenting challenges, know your teen’s friends. Do not shut out your teenagers’ friends.
Do not cut your teen’s friends off from them due to odd behaviours you have noticed. Let your teenager know the dangers of associating with one with such an odd trait.
Also, refer your teen to their set standards. When you relate with your teen, find out what goes on among their friends. Such as movies they see, places they visit, and hobbies.
These are going to serve as a basis to watch if your teenagers are being themselves or another.
6. Encourage and Motivate them:
When you encourage teenagers, you give them that feeling of independence. Encourage your teen to develop a sense of responsibility and leadership.
Encourage your teen to take preventive steps through creativity. Also, motivate them in an activity that interests them. Distractions are great for taking your teen’s mind off their sadness and stress.
Motivating your teenager is a sure way of boosting their confidence. As a parent, you know your child better than they know themselves.
Hence, discover their area of strength and encourage them to push for it by taking up bigger tasks. Encourage them to be the best version of themselves.
7. Assign tasks to them:
Children develop a feel of independence at teenage stage. Teenagers at this stage want to make decisions themselves.
Assigning tasks and responsibilities to them, helps in building work ethic and self-esteem. It also aids the development of the brain. However, the task should be one which the child or teen can do.