It can be hard to see your child turn into a teenager before your eyes, and you don't know how to relate to them anymore.If you can empathise with your teen's experiences, you may be able to connect to and understand them.Take an interest in the questions they ask.Give them independence and privacy while remaining supportive.
Step 1: Make your expectations clear.
Let your teenager know what you expect them to do.It will help your teenager understand their responsibilities.Try to express them in loving ways.They could be asked to do manageable tasks.Can you clean up?Can you wash the dishes tonight?Give them two options.You could say, "You can either go to the movie tonight with your friends or sleep over at their house on Friday."They should state the consequences of their actions.You could ask, "what do you think will happen if you miss too many classes?"
Step 2: Allow them to have some level of independence.
As your teen matures, support them in developing their independence.Let your teen choose how to style their hair and decorate their room.Older teens can use the car, attend activities without an adult, and hold a part-time job.A teen who seeks independence may cause conflict with a controlling parent.Ask your teen what they want independence for.
Step 3: Accept their social needs.
Teens are concerned with social relationships, fitting in with peers, and making social decisions such as whether to use drugs or engage in sexual activity.They will want to spend more time with their friends.While it is important for them to be a part of the family, make sure that you respect their need to engage in friendships, be with friends, and create their social identity.You can let your teen join clubs or groups, join sports teams, or hang out with friends.Ask your teenager about their friends.If you can, meet their friends in person.
Step 4: You should respect their privacy.
Increasing independence and privacy are what teens want.It is possible that your teen is tuning you out or ignoring you, but they are likely wanting some space to be alone.Give them increased privacy as they get older.If your teen isn't candid in talking to you or wants to spend less time with you, see it as a developmental stage and not take it personally.You should look out for their safety, as you get the final say in their activities.
Step 5: They should be aware of their sleep habits.
Teens are more likely to sleep in the next morning if they fall asleep later.Encourage them to get adequate sleep by being aware of their sleep patterns.Their moods, memory, and concentration can be affected by not getting enough sleep.If your teen struggles to sleep, it's a good idea to remove electronic devices from their bedrooms so that the light doesn't make them sleepy.It is possible to get more sleep with a consistent night time.
Step 6: Let them make their own mistakes.
Teens prefer to learn on the spot, no matter how many warnings you give.Teens may need to fail or make mistakes in order to be responsible.It is difficult to watch your child fail.No matter what happens, you will be there for them and support them.If you want to say, "I told you so," be there to comfort your teen.
Step 7: Don't be afraid to listen to your teen.
It wasn't easy if you were a teenager.Don't immediately dismiss your teen's difficulties, instead listen in.They feel big to your teen, even though their problems may seem trivial.Listen to them and imagine yourself in their place.Problems can feel big even when they are small.
Step 8: To show interest, ask questions.
Asking questions is one of the best ways to understand your teen.Don't pester your teen, but ask about their interests, friends, goals, and dreams.Keep the questions open-ended.When your teen does share with you, listen and respond thoughtfully, instead of asking, "Did you have a good day at school?"Have a lot of conversations with your child.Talking is a daily activity.
Step 9: Enjoy quality time together.
You should still look for opportunities to spend time with your teenager.There are activities that aren't connected to their schoolwork.It's possible to eat dinner together every night, play board games, do a craft project, and visit a local festival.
Step 10: Support their work.
Even if your child is a star athlete or a master chess player, support the activities that interest them.Understanding their interests can give you a glimpse into their life.If you don't understand their interests, do some research and learn about them.There are ways to support their activities.Support their after-school activities by attending athletic games and going to plays.
Step 11: It is necessary to recognize cultural influences.
Teens want to fit in with their peers while also having a unique identity.Their sense of belonging is aided by feeling included.They may look up to athletes, academics, or actors as role models on how to dress.Teens might use social media and the internet to find out how to fit in.You can get to know your teen's interests by watching television shows.Do things that your teen likes.
Step 12: Let them express their feelings.
If you allow your teen to express their emotions, they will stop being upset or angry.They will come out in a negative way if they avoid their feelings.Teens are learning how to identify and manage their emotions.It is important for them to accept their feelings and find ways to release them, like talking to a friend.Tell your teen that there are good and bad ways to deal with emotions.
Step 13: No matter what happens, tell them you love them.
Your teenager is worried that you will judge them or be angry when they make a mistake.Let them know that you will still love them even if you disagree with their decisions.Don't expect your teenager to be perfect.Your teenager may make a few mistakes as they grow up.Help them learn from their mistakes.
Step 14: You should be sensitive to their moods.
Teens can manage their emotions on their own.After arguments, leave them in their room or back off.Triggers such as a break-up, academic disappointment, or social or family problems can lead to moodiness.If mood swings happen frequently, you may want to ask a professional about mental health treatment.
Step 15: If your teen exhibits extreme behaviors, you should get professional help.
Take notice of any sudden changes to their behavior.Extreme weight gain or weight loss, changes to sleeping or eating habits, failing grades, sudden changes in friends, skipping school, or signs of using substances or alcohol are examples of this.Get your teen help if they have any of these symptoms.Make an appointment with their doctor.
Step 16: They need to be involved in their mental health.
If your teen has a mental health diagnosis, do some research.Your child can feel supported and understood if you talk to their physician or mental health counselor.They should go to appointments, talk to their therapist, and understand their treatment.Ask about their diagnosis in a different way.For example, ask, "What is it like to have attention deficit disorder?" or "How does anxiety affect your academics?"