A Few Basic Parenting Tips For Raising Teenagers

By Jocelyn Davidson


Teens from every culture, regardless of whether they are rich, poor, male or female have caused their parents despair. This difficult stage of growing up involves tremendous changes in the body, the mind and the perceptions of every young person. They see the world through new eyes and they often rebel against the established order of things. This can cause conflict and unhappiness. By following a few basic parenting tips for raising teenagers it is possible to weather the storm unscathed.

Teens sometimes behave atrociously and feel as if the entire world is against them. Parents need to make sure that their teens know that they are loved. They need to understand that the love of their parents is not conditional. The certain knowledge that they are loved will serve as a constant comfort, even when they experience inner conflict, anger and pressure from their peers.

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 under tremendous peer pressure and they start to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, clothes that seem strange to their parents, body piercing and tattoos, to name just a few. Even when horrified, parents should refrain from outright condemnation and direct conflict. It is better to provide information impassively, to discuss the consequences of dubious decisions and to convince the teen to delay a final decision for an agreed 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.

It is vitally important that parents set a positive example for their teens to follow. They need to show their teen that it is honorable to acknowledge mistakes and that there is no shame in apologizing. Parents should also be careful to make sure that they are not guilty of the exact same mistake that they are warning their teens against. It is hypocritical to warn a teen against the dangers of alcohol, for example, when the parents regularly over indulge themselves.

Teens want to be treated with respect. Parents can achieve much if they make it clear to their teens that they are no longer viewed as children but as young adults that have a contribution to make. It is important to allow the teen to provide input during family discussions and to make it clear that their opinions are valuable.

Teens are similar to old time sailors that entered uncharted waters. There is excitement, but there is also fear. When parents act as navigators, gently advising the teen on the best course, they can make sure that their teen will reach full adulthood safely.




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