Parenting Skills: Tips for Teen Parents
The stage of adolescence is the most feared stage of parenting. However, it is the last and for the most part marked by irresponsibility and rebellion. Even the best parents are warned of this stage that presents itself as an inevitable battlefield for parents and their children. Fortunately, though, as a parent, if you play your cards right, this doesn’t have to be the case. With all your ideas and energy, it can be challenging as well as fun.
Understanding the stimulus behind adolescent behavior can change things for you. There are several changes that adolescents go through as they prepare for adulthood and although it may be several years ago, you also went through the same stage and therefore you should be able to relate to the behavior and understand the motivation. : this is key. If you are willing to give in a bit, possibly adjusting to the situation by the way you react or think you could experience this terrible time in a very positive way.
First of all, develop mutual trust. If your teen son or daughter suddenly develops selective amnesia for details about school or friends, don’t panic. Despite the muttered, monosyllabic responses, your child really wants or needs to connect with you. Sometimes during this period you may need to step back from your parenting role and be a consultant of some sort who listens a lot, although there are some things that can be quite hard for you to swallow. Just accept your new position paving the way for mutual trust.
There will be many things at this stage of life that will inevitably upset you and you will feel a great need to talk. However, you must be wise in the battles you choose to fight so you don’t end up with a teen who doesn’t want to be in the same room with you or feels unloved. For example, having a messy room and dying your hair purple are things that don’t really matter compared to hurting yourself or doing something that will be permanent, like getting an actual tattoo.
Instead of saying flat out, “You can’t hang out with those kids,” which will backfire in most cases, you could invite these friends over for dinner. This will help you get a good idea of who you really are and advise your child accordingly without driving a wedge between the two of you.
These are just some of the few tips to improve your teen’s parenting skills. There are endless other ways to approach your teen and get through this stage without spilling a lot of blood—just be open to creative ideas.