T he questions you have about how to parent a teenager may bug you nonstop as you imagine your child growing up. Even if they’ve lived through various tantrums from their toddler years, people tend to be worried when it comes to dealing with a teenager. Since 66% of teenagers live with both parents, it is important to deal with them the right way. Although adolescence is a very confusing time for both children and their parents, it can prove to be some of the best years of one's life if parents practice the tips we've mentioned below.
The biggest mistake parents can make with their teenage children is creating a huge communication gap between them. Teens usually want their parents to also act like friends, so they get the comfort and security in knowing that their parents understand and love them. You, as a parent, should always provide them with this comfort and make them feel like they can trust you no matter what happens.
This is why you need to talk to them regularly and listen when they talk. Talk to them about taboo topics like puberty, sex, or menstruation before they experience it so they know you're a safe space, and they can confide in you. Also, give them time to process their feelings and communicate with you whenever needed. When they come back, always take time out and listen to them, so they feel heard.
Yes, although you have to act as a friend, you can't just let go completely. You will have to set some particular rules so they can maintain discipline. However, always remember that discipline doesn't come from controlling or punishing your child. In fact, you should be teaching them discipline, so they can learn and gain knowledge from it rather than fear the consequences.
To encourage your child to behave better:
Most parents forget that their children are individuals with their own thinking and decision-making abilities. They should get a chance to work on these, and what better way to do so than to let them decide what they want?
Until a certain age, parents are responsible for making all the decisions -whether setting bedtimes, choosing what to wear, or making doctor's appointments. But once your child reaches their teen years, they start taking control of their own lives and don't want their parents lingering around every decision. Therefore, you shouldn't be too controlling and let them choose what they like or dislike. This doesn't mean that you disengage and don't help them even when they ask for help; it means that you provide them with a chance to act freely and not restrict them while also giving them emotional support.
A vital thing that many parents forget is respecting their child's privacy. You may have difficulty dealing with this as you spent the last 12 years wholly engrossed in their lives. You may even feel like everything your child does is your business, even when it's not. But, to make the journey easier for your child, you should always grant them some privacy.
To further emphasize this point, you should never go through their diaries, texts, phone calls, emails, and so on just because you’re curious about what's happening in their life. If they had wanted to tell you, they would have let you know themselves. You should always know where they're going for safety reasons, but you don't need every detail about it. Once you trust them, they'll trust you more, making your relationship a lot stronger.
We hope this makes it easier for you to understand how to parent a teenager, and you practice some of these to maintain a good relationship with your child. It may seem daunting, but the hard work always pays off!
