Parenting Teens – Start By Doing THIS With Your Teenagers
Are you parenting teens and feeling overwhelmed? No worries – here’s where you need to start (by having these conversations)
Hey my friend,
Let’s chat about parenting teens…
I know this sounds crazy to say but sometimes teenagers aren’t given enough credit.
We expect them to behave like adults but they are treated like children.
They’re smart but often underestimated.
They are only a few years away from adulthood but often not given the opportunity to spread their wings.
News alert: with proper knowledge and support, teens can in fact make informed decisions just like any adult.
The trick is having the wisdom to know when your teenager is ready to learn certain lessons.
It’s easy to forget that you shouldn’t treat teenagers like children.
When you eye their every move, talk down to them and act like they can’t be trusted, eventually you will lose THEIR trust.
To the contrary when you allow your teens to be themselves and, at the same time, nurture them when they need it, there’s a good chance they will be more likely to open up to you.
This is why it’s so important to have the following important conversations with your teens.
It’s tough to watch your children make mistakes that you think you could’ve prevented (news alert: sometimes we just need to make those mistakes on our own in order to learn).
The only thing you can really do is give your teen advice when he or she is open to it.
PARENTING TEENS ADVICE
These tips may help you strike a good conversation with your teen:
- Make an extra effort to talk to them, but don’t push the issue. It’s normal for a teenager to withdraw from communication from time to time. Totally normal!
- As long as you have no reason to be suspicious of them, you should respect their privacy. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Assume the best of your teen rather than the worst.
- You can always wait to have certain conversations with them until they’re ready, but on the other hand, you don’t want to wait too long.
PARENTING TEENS ADVICE
Talking About Sex
Sex is a topic that you may naturally feel awkward talking about, no matter who you’re having a conversation with.
With your own teen, it can be especially tough to have an open and honest talk.
Chances are they already know a great deal about this topic.
However, if they ask you questions, be honest with your answers.
It’s actually better for them to be getting information from you.
You’ll know that what you’re providing is accurate, and you’ll be building a lasting relationship with your teen that will grow into adulthood.
While there are certainly differing opinions on the subject, try to get your perspective across without being judgmental.
Be honest and understanding.
Be open and kind.
PARENTING TEENS ADVICE
Talking About Drugs
The topic of drugs is another important one.
Honestly it’s best to be educated early on this topic.
Children should obviously be taught to avoid drugs, so it’s certainly a topic you should bring up with your teenagers from time to time.
PARENTING TEENS ADVICE
If you’re involved in your teen’s life and have no reason to believe they’d be involved with drugs, you probably have nothing to worry about.
However, if your teen acts withdrawn and you don’t know their friends very well, there’s the slim chance that it might be a problem.
Pay attention to the warning signs.
Trust your instincts.
If you think something’s up, then strive to be more involved.
Don’t ignore it assuming it will go away.
You may potentially be dealing with a tough situation and, therefore, you should make the extra effort to discuss the issue with your teen.
PARENTING TEENS ADVICE
Trusting Your Teen
It all comes down to the issue of trust.
Remember that trust is a two way street.
If you maintain a good level of trust with your teen, they’ll feel comfortable having conversations with you.
This will also hold true even if it’s one of the tougher conversations.
Just make sure you remain open to your teen.
Be accepting of the fact that they are growing up and no longer the toddler who depended on your every word.
They will grow up to make their own choices and decisions.
They are their own unique individual with different thoughts and feelings from you.
And when you allow them that growth and opportunity to spread their wings, you will find it so much easier for them to come to you for advice in the future.
-
Before You Go…
– See my EVERYTHING PAGE and grab a free gift > HERE
– Get instant access to EVERY COURSE I’ve ever created > HERE
– Listen to my INSPIRING LIFE PODCAST on Spotify or via Apple Podcasts.
– Or for biz owners, listen to LIFE COACH FOR BIZ MOMS Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
I’m Frances Vidakovic – a mindset & action coach for quietly ambitious women who want to stop overthinking and finally take aligned action. I help women achieve their goals and follow through on what matters, without sacrificing their sanity or soul.