10 Tips to raise a Teenager

😕Parenting a teenager?

😕Does your house appears more like a quarrel arena?

😕Does your child takes all your suggestions negatively?

😟If yes, then this article is definitely written for you.

Teenage is an age in which a child's body is going through a lot of physical and hormonal changes. 

During this phase they very explorative but vulnerable too.

They need confidence to handle their surrounding environment, they wish to act authoritative and bold. But, at the same time, they feel confined by rules and schedules over which they have no control.

It’s no wonder that many teenagers feel powerless, bound and less confident! This gives way to frustration and anger.

The feeling of grown up is predominating their minds and too much interference of parents gradually becomes humiliating for them and raises a question mark upon their capability of handling things among their peers and family. 

This is what we the elders have to understand that their little boy/girl is now growing up and his/her world view is changing. 

We just have to be a facilitator not a dictator in their journey of teenage.

Growing up is not easy and nor is the parenting. But an establishment of a balance is must. 

One just have to be tricky, and adjust the parenting style to improve your relationship with your teen.

Let’s explore these 10 tips for how to handle teenagers more effectively:

1. Make them feel that their opinion matters. 

Discuss their studies, their daily life and family matters with them.

Do not isolate them from your life, try to discuss with them as much as you can. This gesture will strengthen your bond with them.

2. Communicate like a friend and guide as a parent.

Try to communicate with them as friend. 

Avoid being very authoritative and guiding while dealing with a teenager. 

This will also improvise their own thinking pattern to discuss and sort their problems and issues.

3. Spend quality time together.

From your busy schedule find out sometime for your kids to talk and explore things together. You’ll create meaningful memories for years to come, and your teen will know you enjoy spending time together.

4. Avoid talking down to your teen

Avoid being harsh and dictative to your teens. If you make them feel as if they’re just little kids, they’ll rebel.

So try to be firm but with respect.

Change “you” statements into “I” statements.

For example, instead of saying, “You should not bang on the door or shout so loud” try saying, “I feel bad when you bang on the door or shout so loudly.

5. Let your teen experience the consequences of his/her actions.

Try to guide them but sometimes leave them to make their own decisions and then face the consequences of their decisions.

This will help them differentiating the right and wrong and also help them to take right decision in future.

6. Focus on the things that matter

Fashion and appearance is the most fascination thing for the developing teen. 

No matter how disgusting his/her hairstyle appears to you or their fashion quotient goes over your head, but do not waste your energy into these petty things. 

Its their style and let them decide. 

So, while parenting teens, save your limited energy for the things that matter the most in the long run.

7. Support your teen’s interests and passions

This is the age while the child is exploring his/her personality so let them pursue their interest and passions.

8. Eat meals together regularly

Having meals together have lots of positive impacts as:

• improves academic performance
• Lowers rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse
• Builds resilience and self-esteem
• Improves physical health
• Reduces the likelihood of tobacco use, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse

This is a simple tip for parenting teens that you shouldn’t skip!

9. Set a positive example for your teen

Teens don't follow instructions, they follow you. 

If you are constantly involved in generous activities and working on self improvement, helping poor, sharing the things, caring your elders you will instil all these good qualities into your children too.

10. Don’t compare your teen with others

Comparing is detrimental to the parent-teen relationship.

Comparison hurts your teens’ self-esteem try to focus on encouraging your teens. Develop a healthy competition but never let the child feel less able or efficient with anyone.

Try to build up a healthy environment for your child to grow up.

Follow the other parenting tips in this article, and you’ll be on the right track.