As a parent, your child's growing years always fascinate you. You want to protect them, guard them, and lead them to the right path. However, at every stage, you seem to be coming across new challenges in regards to parenting and nurturing the kids. And teenage is one stage that certainly rings the alarm bells.
Parenting teenagers is a great joy but it does bring in some challenges too. This is the stage where they can either shape up well or get overpowered by external influences. Their personality undergoes vital changes and life brings to them umpteen choices. From leading the school's cricket team, to taking on the stage; from making new friends to taking decisions on own, teenagers do have their share of struggles.
Amidst this, the technology also casts its spell. With all the good, it brings in some negatives too. And sometimes can even stain your relationship with the kids. Teenage is the phase where your kid needs you the most, not just as a parent but as a friend, philosopher and guide. So let us dive into the subject more and understand how parenting teenagers can be done in an effective manner so as to build a cordial and healthy relation. Read on:
1. Bridge the gap, communicate freely: There is no problem in the world that can't be solved over a talk, provided the communication is effective. You must make it a point to increase communication with your teenagers. It's one important tip for a successful parenting. Merely following them on facebook, twitter or any other social media network to track the happenings of their life will never solve the purpose. You will get to understand them as individuals only when you communicate with them freely. Put technology and work aside for some time, and make sure you spare at least 15 minutes daily just to talk with your teen.
2. Stay updated with the world around: If you want to understand the world of your teen child then you will have to make an effort to stay updated with the world around. Whether it is a new gadget, the latest fashion trends or the world of sports; stay updated with each and everything so that there comes no point when you fail to keep up the communication with your child.
3. Be flexible and open to changes: Rules and principles are important aspect of life as well as parenting. But maintaining the fine line between authoritative and authoritarian parenting is very important. Make rules for your teenagers but be reasonable and flexible also. You must see to it that your style of parenting gives enough space to the child and is not a dominating kind. You should be flexible enough to admit the changes and adapt the positive ones.
4. Be a part of their life, get involved: Getting involved doesn't mean stalking your teenagers or hovering over them. It means to look for ways by which you can not just get involve in their lives but be a part of their fascinating world. Connect with the things your teenager loves. If your teen is fond of singing, help finding a good singing class or encourage them to sing at school events. If he or she loves a sport, motivate them to give their best shot in the game. No matter what their likes are, understand them and give your support and guidance whenever and in whatever manner possible.
5. Trust them: This certainly is the hardest and often tested of feelings. During the growing ages, kids never realize the limits at certain point of time. Blame it on peer pressure or the zeal of experiencing everything in one go, they do make the wrong choices or decisions. But that shouldn't refrain you from trusting them. Set boundaries for them, but be with them when they make any mistake. You should be quick in forgiving and giving them a fair chance.
6. Don't be judgmental, be considerate: Judging a person, thing or situation based on your intellect or understanding is very easy. But to have harmonious relations, you will always have to see both sides of the coin. Don't ever be judgmental about your teens behavior, instead try to be considerate. If they do anything wrong, guide them calmly. Don't bombard them with heavy lectures or show the 'You are useless' kind of attitude.
7. Never draw comparisons: Whether it is a comparison you draw with your friend's teenage child or with that of your own teenage years, it can only make the matter go worse. Understand the fact that no two individuals can be same and so is your teen. He has his own identity and you must respect that. Don't keep on digging the flaws, try and find the good things in their persona.
8. Share your experiences: It would be good on your part to share your teenage experiences with your child. This won't just be a learning for him but even help him make good decisions in future. Good or bad, let them know the experiences you've had while growing up. This certainly would be the best teacher for them.
You will surely treasure the one moment when your teenagers simply comes across saying ' You are the best parent, I Love You', not out of any obligation but of pure love and respect. This won't be difficult to achieve provided you give priority to bonding with your teen, giving them the freedom to grow while playing the perfect guide!