 |
|||
Parenting Teens   
It Doesn’t Have to be a BattlegroundTake a look at some of the things that influence teen behavior so you can get the most out of these turbulent years. The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines a teenager as 'a person from 13 to 19 years of age'. It’s generally acknowledged these days that teen behavior starts younger and lasts longer. In fact, we could stretch the teen years from 10 to 22 without being too far out. So what’s going on? The Facts on Parenting Teens
Your teenager is going through the most tumultuous time of their lives. They are in transition from children to adults. This in itself is demanding enough without the major physical and emotional changes that zoom through their bodies at the same time.
Some days (or moments) you will glimpse the adult your teenager may become; only to have this replaced in an instant by behavior that reminds you of their toddler days. They are aching to launch themselves onto the Big Bad World and at the same time need to know they have the ‘safety net’ and support of home behind them.
You may only get a grunt or shrug in return, but do it anyway. This is the time when you really learn about unconditional love and being a parent to your teenager and not necessarily their best friend. This doesn’t mean you aren’t friendly with them, it just means that you will need to the adult setting and enforcing rules and boundaries, and making the unpopular decisions about safe behavior. Teenage BrainsPerhaps it helps to know that teenager’s brains are still a work in progress and won’t be complete until their early twenties.The effect this has on teen behavior is best described by psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg in his book “Surviving Adolescents”: “…adults use the critical-thinking part of the brain to assess risk, teenagers considering risky behaviors (sex, drugs, driving cars, etc) use the more primitive, instinctual part of the brains (known as the amygdala). What Can Parents Do?Parenting teens through these years is all about:
You will need to think about the family rules and what happens if they are broken. Involve your teenager in working this out.
The types of things to agree on are:
Don’t be afraid to say no to something you don’t agree with or doesn’t fit in with the agreed rules. It won’t make you popular, but you may find when parenting teens that nothing you do impresses. Just to make this complicated, you must be aware that your teen will often have a different point of view to you, so be prepared to listen. If they have a good point it’s no failure to change your mind or just agree to disagree.
Everyone has a right to their opinion.
More Parenting Teens TopicsHealth and Eating
Enormous appetites, junk food, pimples, dieting, body image...it's all happening!
In this section we talk about how to help your teen keep up with the energy they need and stay healthy at the same time. Read about fad diets and teenagers health.
Guide your teen to good food choices with diets for teenagers.
Talking to Teens
It's not uncommon to hear parents say that they just can't seem to talk to their kids once they reach the teen years.
The worrying thing is that this can be the time they need us most (even if they are determined to show otherwise!). In this section we look at how to keep the lines of communication open and how to improve or maintain your relationship with your teenager. How to cope with an angry teenager Teen anger management - skills the whole family can learn. Happy teen - support your teen and bring them security and contentment. Teenagers and Growing Up
Your teen will be interested in being more independant. In trying out being an adult.
It's probably time to give their bedroom a make over and ditch the childish stuff. It's definately time to make sure they are confident in their knowledge and beliefs about sex. Teen sex education: Don't let your teen believe a load of rubbish.
And you'll need to be prepared for the change in parties...forget the fairy bread where's the dance floor?
Teens and Drugs and Alcohol
Your teen is keen to experiment with adult behavior. One of the ways they do this is to seek out the things we always tell them not to do.
Most teens won't have a problem with drugs and alcohol, but it doesn't mean they won't be exposed to them, and it doesn't mean they won't give them a try. Give them the facts, help them to be strong and confident in their own decisions and let them know you are there to help if they get out of their depth. Read about teenagers and drugs here... Read about teenagers and alcohol here... Teenagers and Depression
Depression seems to be on the increase in the western cultures worldwide.
Teenagers are facing pressures unlike those of any generation previously. In this section we look at how depression can start and what to look out for. |
Search This SiteCaring for ParentsYou put a lot of work into caring for your kids, but who's looking after you? It's time to put yourself first for a change. It needn't break the bank, you don't even have to leave the house if you don't want to! Just take some time to pamper yourself.
COMPETITION
Parenting Quote Adolescents are not monsters. They are just people trying to learn how to make it among the adults in the world, who are probably not so sure themselves.
~Virginia Satir, The New Peoplemaking, 1988
Recommended ResourcesPlease note that each link will open a new window for you.Law of Attraction Parenting: Law of Attraction Parenting is run by Annie Desantis. She says 'We aim to support you to be an inspired parent. We want to encourage you to squeeze as much joy out of your time raising your little ones as you possibly can.' Annie specializes in Law of Attraction Coaching, Parent Coaching, Online Parenting Classes and Parenting Courses.
 |
||
Like This Site?Looking For Pet Names?We've had a lot of fun finding unusual pet names. Whether you need puppy names or names for your kitten, pet fish or rabbit, you'll find something to suit here.
Got an idea for a topic?
If you'd like to contribute an article use the Feedback form and outline your idea. Or maybe you have your own good advice or creative ideas to share? Send your snippet through on the Feedback form. Don't forget, new articles are added weekly so check back regularly to see what else has been covered.   |
|||
|
| Homepage | About | Contact | Site Map | Blog |
The content on www.Better-Living-Ideas. com is not intended to replace the advice of your health care practitioner.
|
|||
