The teen age has proven to be one of the hardest and most difficult stages of a child’s life because at that age the child is going through a new stage of mental, emotional, and physical development. The changes they go through can make them feel awkward and overly self conscious in their attitudes.
Below are some suggested tips to help you navigate your child’s teenage years more successfully. Please note that for a change, and to provide a different perspective these tips are given from the teens point of view:
1. Remember how difficult it can be for them
During my teen years, I always felt my parents didn’t quite understand me, the pressure I was being faced with and all that was going on inside of me. It feels like parents often forget that teens are going through a rough stage of development, and encounter several changes in their body and hormones. This can in turn tell on how they react to life issues.
Try to put yourself in their shoes by remembering it’s also difficult for them at that stage too. Rather than getting angry at their actions and hurling insulting words at them, be patient and act gentle. Just remember they will grow through it eventually!
2. Don’t take things too personal
Whenever they misbehave or utter words they aren’t supposed to say to you, don’t take it too personal. If you take all they do too personal, you may end up hurting yourself and being regretful. Know that your teen never meant all they did or said at that time, they are only going through a phase and they will come off it. Try to be understanding!
3. Be their best friend
I have met a few teenagers who have a very close relationship with their mother and father. It’s always so admirable and it helps make the parenting job easier. Yes your role as parent, guide and disciplinarian when required shouldn’t be tossed aside, but seek to be their best friend too. I imagine it’s a difficult balance to get right, but if you can it is worth it. By this I mean being the person they still feel able to run to when in difficulty and one they are able to confide in. Listen to them, interact with them, laugh with them, correct them, advise them, groom them, challenge them. Also share relatable experiences and lessons with them, hang out with them, and be there for them always. Show them your love and support!
4. Mentor and teach them life values worth embracing
Values are foundational beliefs that anchor our lives, the things that matter most to us, the unique characteristics that distinguishes and describes us in a certain way. There are a whole lot of wonderful life values out there, pick the ones that are worth embracing and motivate them to put them into practice.
Teach your teen kindness, teach them how to love genuinely, teach them hardwork, integrity, faithfulness, diligence, excitement, patience, endurance, having vision, setting goals, creativity, excellence, empathy, respect, loyalty, authenticity, tranquility, stability, obedience, meekness, etc.
5. Be a role model
If you want your teen to be strong and fearless, show them how to be one by becoming one. Children learn faster by observations than words, they live with you and watch what you do everyday, and the only way to positively influence them is to be positive around them. Act like you want them to act, and talk like you want to them to talk. Lead by being an example first!
Thanks for reading. If you’re a parent do you agree with these tips? If not what would you change or add? Leave a comment to let us know.
About our Guest contributor:
Naomi is a purpose-driven lady passionate about inspiring young ones unto living a well meaningful and productive life. She is a blogger, a personal development coach, a certified Accountant, and the founder of Sensationals (a gift brand and consultation company). She is currently working on impacting youths for their generation, affecting lives positively, women development and empowerment, as well as living an intentional and a purposeful life. Find her at www.naomidestiny.com
She is also on Instagram: @naomi_destiny and Twitter: @naomidestiny_