Is parenting a teenager more challenging than parenting an infant or a toddler? Or it is vice versa? Well, both are, as they have their highs and lows. Parenting itself is a challenging job yet interesting, no matter how old you grow!
All phases of parenting has its own experience and challenges. We too grow as a parent when our child grows into teenager. Emphasizing on positive parenting strategies from an early age and in all phase may prove fruitful.
The time has changed our way of livings. And so has changed our mindsets. Our thinking abilities have open up much wider and ready to explore attitude have modernized us to break the stereotypes. We look for logics and reasons behind everything. And then relate. Right!
True is that generations and technologies have reinforced each other. Because of which the knowledge transition process or parenting techniques have changed. Nowadays parents have become much curious that each one of us just want to raise a smarter child. Smart enough to lead a satisfactorily successful life.
Parenting a teenager is one such phase where positive parenting strategies work out the best. No, it is not that, if your child is not making you run on your toes day and night, you are not facing any challenges. You are dealing with a new force!
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What challenges do you face when parenting a teenager?
The biggest challenge we face while parenting a teenager is to understand their changed behavior and disparate mindsets. The natural hormonal changes in the body leads to this. And, most parents fails to understand that this is one of the main reasons of their changed behavior.
Teenagers believe that they are grown up big enough to handle their lives, and their parents don’t understand this and not let them do it on their own.
Yet parents believe that they are grown up enough to understand things but not independent enough to handle them. They still need guidance and support
And that’s when the positive parenting strategies plays its vital role. What strategies can be helpful to bridge the gap? Let’s go on to read some.
6 positive parenting strategies for your teenagers
Be a parent AND a friend
Your child has grown up big enough, yet still growing. And in that phase, sometimes they need a parent and sometimes a good friend to rely on. There is a fine line of difference between the two and parents must balance and maintain that. Teenage is an unpredictable fragile stage. Parents must know when to act as a parent and in what circumstances they should become their teenager’s friend.
For example; A parent must take out time for sports, especially outdoors. Like friends, they can hang around on weekends to sip coffee. Fortnightly, they can watch a movie together. If a teenager gets such a comfort zone, they may feel more friendly with their parents and open up to express themselves freely. Such activities will help them wade out a sense of insecurity among them.
Give them privacy and space
In this phase it is very important that parents should give privacy to their young adults. They must separate their rooms, their cupboards and their beds. As there are many things which they may want to keep it secretive from their parents or not willing to share with them. Getting too much involved into their lives or interfering with their personal belongings can distant them from being open. So, respect their privacy and space; and maintain yours too.
Give advice only when asked
Teenage is a stage where the brain and other muscles have developed fully. They understand everything but due to a lack of experience, teenagers are unable to take the right decision for themselves. They may or may not seek advice and guidance, but will not ask for it directly.
For eg. Young adults, if going to a friend’s party, may want to dress up the way they want; but in fear of being judged for their dressing by their parents or other members, they may not feel okay to do so. Even for their shopping, they get advice from their parents that they may not like. And that’s where the gap bridges up. Parents should let them decide and give their opinion, advice, or feedback only when their teenagers come and ask them.
Give them financial independence
As soon as the child enters the teenage, parents should give them some sought of financial independence. It’s the ability to meet your own financial expenses without relying on anyone else. A monthly amount, a pocket money or an individual account to manage.
This will help them to understand how to manage money to meet their expenditure and savings. When they will take their own financial decisions, like where to spend and where to save, they become more confident, responsible, self-reliant and independent. Most importantly, they will understand the value of money. Teach them the basic concept of investment and savings.
Discuss things
This is an important strategy while parenting a teenager. As teenager brain is well developed and has the ability to understand things, it is important to feed it with valuable attributes, basic concepts and positive approach is life.
Talk about things never discussed before. Parents may talk to them about relationships, goals, aims, experiences, financial matters or even sex. More often, we read or heard about these topics but still resist to talk especially with our loved ones. Many related questions left unanswered, when there is no discussion. Like how, when, why, what, or where?
A valuable experience may be shared if such topics are discussed freely in parent- child relationship.
Be ready to accept
Acceptance. Another important characteristic of positive parenting strategies, which leads to a strong bond between a parent and a teenager. The more you accept the easier it becomes to healthy parenting.
Accept that your child is a different personality. His choices, opinions, likes, dislikes, values etc. may not be same as yours. He may have dream differ of what you pray for. So, accept your child the way they are and do not expect.
Interesting pins on parenting & lifestyle
Raising Teenagers Can be a Positive Experience
Raising teenagers is a process that involves unpredictable circumstances, changed behavior, and distinct moods. A parent may try to give the best to teenagers but sometimes they may fail to understand what is going through their minds. Due to which discrepancies appear.
Yes, raising teenagers can be a positive experience when we adapt and follow the above said positive parenting strategies for the teenage years. It can be a rewarding season for the teen and for the parent.
This newly revised and updated edition of positive discipline for teenagers shows parents how to build stronger bridges of communication with their children, break the destructive cycles of guilt and blame that occur in parent-teen power struggles, and work toward greater mutual respect with their adolescents. At the core of the Positive Discipline approach is the understanding that teens still need their parents, just in different ways—and by better understanding who their teens really are, parents can learn to encourage both their teens and themselves, and instill good judgment without being judgmental. The methods in this book work to build vital social and life skills through encouragement and empowerment—not punishment. Truly effective parenting is aboutconnectionbeforecorrection.
Boost teenage self-esteem and confidence with appreciation, defined rules, a healthy family lifestyle, and warm relationships. Show them your unconditional love and boost their wellbeing by encouraging teenagers to try new things, value personal strengths and focus on good things. Be a good role model and a kind responsible citizen before expecting them to be one.
