Teenage is the most difficult phase of a person’s life for themselves and their parents. Teenagers often go through several changes, physically and mentally, and that affects their life in multiple ways. The effect could be either positive or negative and thus, it is the responsibility of the parents, who can see things from a third person perspective, to pull their child through this difficult phase. The parents could also be clueless about how to raise a kid during teenage but they could always look back to their own teenage and many questions will be answered there and then. For the rest, which may be something totally unprecedented, here are a couple of tips that the parents could use when they have no idea what to do with their teen :
Be their friend – Teens often open up to parents who behave like their friends and react to their problems without fretting. Being a friend to your kid will be a boon for you not only during their teen years but throughout life. The teen will get into the habit of confiding in you which will make them secure. They will go through difficult times and when they would need a shoulder, your presence will make them feel like they have somebody to fall back upon.
Communicate – Now, communication doesn’t mean the teen telling you things, it has to be a two way conversation. If they are telling you things they expect you to tell them about your worries and secrets too. This will make them feel important and grown up. Kids love to feel grown up and you will be the reason behind that confidence. The best bond between a parent and a teenage kid can be established through communication.
Push them to do what they like – Enroll them in co-curricular activities, tell them that they are good at something and that they should pursue it without a second thought. They like to hear that they are talented and are capable of making their parents proud. This will help them in honing a skill and they will become better at what they really like doing.
Let them figure things out for themselves – Nobody is telling you to just let them be but it is necessary that you give them their space. You know that eventually they will come to you, but they should also get into the habit of trying and solving problems on their own. Once they do it, they will feel proud and a there will be a renewed confidence and independence in the child. The parents’ responsibility is not only to be there for the teen but also to make the teen independent.
Highlight the positive – Teenagers are essentially kids and there will be times when they will go wrong too. Speak it out for them, but don’t just stick to the negatives always. Show them that they do a lot of stuff correctly too, and that there is a better way of doing something that went wrong. The kid will lend you an ear only when he/she feels that you are genuinely concerned for them.
Tell them the rules – Life has certain rules, the older people know and it is their duty to teach it to the kids. The kids obviously know that they are still clueless about a lot of things and they won’t mind it if you teach them in a friendly manner. Show the teen that you’re on his/her side and they will be more than interested in a discussion.
Parenting is not the easiest thing on Earth, but there are certain things that help you get through smoothly. Your kids will absolutely love and adore you if you treat them like a grown up and a sensible person. Teens are always looking for friends and finding that in you will be the best for your family.
Image Courtesy : https://indiancityblog.blogspot.in/2015/03/parenting-tips-for-parents-living-in.html
Teenage is the time of mental and the physical growth. As a parent, it is our responsibility to let our children accommodate with the world in these years of life. In the technical age, it becomes more than necessary for the mere reason of easy approach to the unethical things on the internet. Thus, it is for us to let our teenagers indulge in the judicious use of the resources to enhance their personalities. Communicate with them and let them discover their passion.