A Few Basic Parenting Tips For Raising Teenagers

By Jocelyn Davidson


Parents from every culture, creed, country or circumstance will agree on one thing. Their teens sometimes drive them crazy. When children reach that age where they question everything and where their emotions and hormones are playing hop scotch they often do not know how to interact with the world around them. By following these few parenting tips for raising teenagers parents may smooth the path a little bit.

Even if it does not always look like it, teens react positively to parental love. If they know that they are loved unconditionally and that they will always be treasured as part of the family they will be able to deal with their own turmoil in a more balanced manner. Parents should reaffirm their love for their teen regularly, particularly when they behave poorly.

Unconditional love does not imply that the parents must blindly accept destructive behavior. The teen must understand that every member of the household has equal rights. It is therefore advisable to gently but firmly establish a set of rules. Every effort should be made to involve all the members of the family in this conference and to achieve consensus on the proposed code of conduct.

Teens are also often under immense pressure from their peers to experiment with a wide variety of vices. They may decide to get a tattoo or they may even experiment with drugs and alcohol. Despite the fact that such behavior is frightening and worrying, parents should not react with anger and outrage. The teen should be informed about the potential consequences of his choices and it is often possible to negotiate a cooling off period.

Behind their pretense and their know it all attitudes many teens are vulnerable and naive. This exposes them to those elements that prey on the weaknesses of others. Ignorance has caused many teens to make costly mistakes. It is therefore vital to make sure that they are informed on matters such as safe sex, online security and personal hygiene, to name a few.

The importance of setting a good example simply cannot be overemphasized. Teens are normally extremely critical and they will not heed advice or admonishments when they the parents to not heed their own advice. Teens see them as hypocrites. Parents should also be willing to admit to mistakes and they should apologize if the occasion calls for it. In this way the teen will learn that everybody makes mistakes but that mistakes should be acknowledged and rectified.

Teens generally respond well when they are respected and trusted. It is therefore a good idea to make it clear to the teen that his opinions are valued and welcomed. When family decisions are made, it is important to specifically ask the teen what his opinion is and to then take his opinion seriously. It may also be a good idea to tell the teen that he has reached an age where he can be trusted with increased responsibilities.

The teenage years are difficult for everyone involved. Teens can be unreasonable and demanding. However, if parents strive to understand the turmoil experienced by their teen and if they react with love and understanding, the teen will most likely sail through puberty unscathed.




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