Adolescence brings a whole new set of challenges for parents, but there are lots of ways to combat them and ensure your relationship with your son or daughter doesn’t suffer. Here are some tips from a Sixth Form in Hertfordshire to help you build and maintain a good relationship with your teen.
First of all, you need to give them some space. It’s important that they develop independence, especially as they approach an age where they might be going away for university or travelling. You need to trust that you have given them the appropriate guidance to make the right decisions. They will respect you for backing off a little as it will help them feel a little more grown up. As a result, you may start top notice more responsible behaviour. Essentially, you need to accept and respect their boundaries. Hormones will be raging, emotions will be high, but you have to let them work through it and they will come out the other side.
Your teen might have started spending more time alone in their room or perhaps they’re out with their friends all the time. While this is perfectly normal and it’s important that you let them do their own thing, it’s also important to encourage family time, even if it’s short and sweet. You could introduce family meal times which will give you an opportunity to chat each day after work/school. Alternatively, you could go out to the cinema or a meal once a month to encourage quality time. Basically, the trick is to find something you have in common with your teen that you can do together, even if it’s as simple as walking the dog or playing a board game.
Teenagers have a lot going on in their lives, often more than they let on. That’s why it’s important that parents are there for them to provide a shoulder to cry on if necessary, or just to be someone to vent too about the stresses of school and relationships. However, don’t lose sight of the fact that you are a parent, not a mate. If you always behave like a friend, your son or daughter may forget to respect you.
Remember to praise your teen when they deserve it. They are going through a transition period which can often make or break their confidence, so it’s important that you compliment them and let them know how proud you are of them. Don’t overdo it though, because this will just make it less meaningful.
