Being the parent of a teenager is not easy, but these years can define your relationship with your child for the years to come. I have a 13 years old and believe me, it’s a struggle and fun at the same time. Read on about my experiences coz you might be a little bit stressed too.
Here’s what I found out:
- You need to set your rules for your teenager. Try to give him or her some freedom and independence, but help them to understand that you only want to protect them. As they mature, make a few changes to these rules. You should for instance set a time to be home or to go to bed and ask your child to spend a certain amount of hours studying every week. If your child tends to spend a lot of time on their computer or using their phone, do not hesitate to limit their access to technology so they can focus on school work. Take the time to explain why you feel like these rules are important and listen to what your child has to say, but be firm and implement your rules.
- As maturity is inevitable, give them more freedom. Let’s say that you don’t agree with their lifestyles they are choosing, you should always keep in mind that their happiness and safety is what really matters. Talk to your child about the things they want to do and encourage to always ask permission first. You should work on establishing a relationship based on trust and respect. Your child will respect you if you do the same and not openly criticize the things that matter to them. Keep in mind that small things, such as clothing or music, can mean a lot to a teenager; restrain from criticizing anything.
- Is your child showing disrespect? Draw the line and implement punishment when this disrespect goes too far. Generally, a teenager who has no respect for his or her parents will adopt the same attitude toward other authority figures, which could get him or her in serious trouble. You need to have a talk with your child to explain that this kind of attitude could cost them much more than being grounded for the weekend. To discourage this kind of behavior, you should immediately punish your child and not engage in an argument. Even though you might feel infuriated, responding with the same kind of remarks will destroy the relationship you have with your child and you will never gain his or her respect.
- Show genuine interest in what your child enjoys. This is the best way to successfully bond with your teenager and make sure they have a healthy lifestyle. Encourage your child to bring friends over so you can get to know them. Take the time to sit down to a nice dinner with the entire family, so everyone can talk about their day, including your teenager. Find things you can do together during weekends, but do not force your child to spend time with you. Expect your relationship with your teenager to have its ups and downs, but do your best to always be available and understanding.
Use these tips to keep your teenager under control while establishing a positive relationship with them. Keep in mind that everyone is unique and you should adapt your parenting to your child. I know that sometimes it’s hard, but letting them know that what you are doing is for their safety and future, will somehow help them to understand.
Teenagers are tough to crack at times, but once you get to know them better, what they are feeling and going through, when you finally got to befriend them, it should be a fairly easy ride.
Photo: Photobucket
Visits: 338
Same here. I always tell my children that I am not strict, they all have that freedom but it doesn’t mean that I don’t have the right to advice or the right to know what is going on. No hiding of secrets.
Teen years is probably the hardest you’re too old to be a kid but too young to be an adult.
You are so right, Franc!
got to make sure that the child has a good upbringing.
I can totally relate although I don’t have a teen yet but I guess mine is a different one since my daughter is still turning 3 this December.
Teenagers this days are pretty hard headed. Just sayin!
Dealing with teenagers are a hard stuff.
If only it were that easy …
This reminds me of the show I hate my teenage daughter. You have to see it!
tell them you love them a lot and always make sure to have fund those will be the memories that they will remember the most – fun times together…
Thankful that I still have more years and days before dealing the teenage years..I can only imagine!
I’ll be needing these tips soon. Thanks for sharing.
oh these are a must-know for all parents raising teens. i’m not married and most certainly don’t have kids, but i’ve been through those teen years and i can say that those years are among the most critical years for a person. thank you for sharing your wisdom! God bless 🙂
Dealing with teenage sons and daughters is getting more and more challenging as time passes. Parents should be able to adapt in time to lead the way for their children
I totally agree with you.
They are the new generation
of this digital age. I have
a 13-year old son and a 16-year old
daughter and I just have to UNDERSTAND
them more than I comprehend my own
dilemma dealing with their attitude and
behavior.