Teenage years are challenging. This is the time in where physical, emotional, and mental developments are at an all-time high. People at this stage desire independence from authority figures. For parents and guardians, raising a teenager is an equally difficult task that can make them the antagonist for every well-meaning act. What then can parents do to better raise their adolescents?
Communicate in love
Adolescents can be stubborn. That shouldn’t stop parents from unconditionally loving their children. If a teenager will not listen, calm explanations might get them to think twice. Avoid hostile words and instead, encourage them to be open and ask questions. They must be affirmed of love and support, no matter what.
Communicate in love
Adolescents can be stubborn. That shouldn’t stop parents from unconditionally loving their children. If a teenager will not listen, calm explanations might get them to think twice. Avoid hostile words and instead, encourage them to be open and ask questions. They must be affirmed of love and support, no matter what.
Image source: practicingparents.com
Set balanced rules
With newfound freedom, teenagers challenge their limits. Parents should set rules that are simple yet definite. Setting a midnight curfew or asking to constantly check in wherever he or she goes are instructions that are specific and doable. When this isn’t done, parents must also set reasonable punishments like making the teenager do extra chores or grounding from after-school activities the whole week.
Listen without judgment
Adolescents have a lot of questions. If adults don't answer these issues, they may find lacking responses from equally clueless peers. When a teenager opens up, it’s best to let him or her talk and lay down all thoughts. If a view is misinformed, correct with respect. For well-meaning ones, support and assure.
With newfound freedom, teenagers challenge their limits. Parents should set rules that are simple yet definite. Setting a midnight curfew or asking to constantly check in wherever he or she goes are instructions that are specific and doable. When this isn’t done, parents must also set reasonable punishments like making the teenager do extra chores or grounding from after-school activities the whole week.
Listen without judgment
Adolescents have a lot of questions. If adults don't answer these issues, they may find lacking responses from equally clueless peers. When a teenager opens up, it’s best to let him or her talk and lay down all thoughts. If a view is misinformed, correct with respect. For well-meaning ones, support and assure.
Image source: cdc.gov
These three points will not only help parents and guardians but also train the adolescents to become healthy, respectful and affable people.
Accomplished psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Lauter works in Spring Valley and Manhattan, New York. He is a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Follow this Twitter accountfor news and updates on child and adolescent psychiatry.
Accomplished psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Lauter works in Spring Valley and Manhattan, New York. He is a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Follow this Twitter accountfor news and updates on child and adolescent psychiatry.