Raising a teenager’s not easy. Remember yourself as a teenager. Now look at your teenager. There’s so many differences in how the two generations are raised and how society influences them now. Issues were not simple even a decade ago when a parent’s main concerns were their teen’s curfew and puberty. The pressure’s of growing up are completely different now and much more complicated.
Keep in mind there’s a difference in being a disciplining parent who is a good role model versus a parent who are best friends with the teenager. Sure, every parent wants to be friends with their child but parents need to keep in mind that they are the responsible adult in this relationship.
Today’s teenagers face not only making curfew and going through puberty but now there’s pressure to consume drugs and alcohol, have premarital sex, and to look and act a certain way. A teenager wants to fit in so badly with their peers that they often give in to what their morals tell them just to go along with the crowd. Certain boundaries and ground rules need to be instilled in your teenager so they are able to resist temptations that they’re faced with.
Unfortunately, at the age of 13, people who are children still themselves are becoming parents, addicts and have body dysphoria issues that may result in eating disorders or other body obsessions. These are issues that can be conquered, however, to avoid them or educate your teenager on these issues is preferred. Some parents may think that if they ignore it, it’ll just go away. That’s not true. It’s important that your teenager is aware of their decisions and their long term effects.
As a teenager, sometimes self esteem may be low. They’re going through changes they don’t understand in preparation to eventually become productive citizens once they hit 18. They are also at a stage where their parents know nothing. Being understanding and receptive to their issues or questions very effective while lecturing them and interrogating them just makes them want to rebel. They’ll thank you for it someday.
Once your child becomes a teenager, they begin to look for ways to be more independent, almost to emancipate themselves from the death grips of their parents. It’s natural as a parent, no matter what age your child is, to worry but as long as you encourage them to live life in positive ways through hobbies, academics or other school activities, it will help them to find themselves at a time when they are beginning to question their own identity. Encourage them to try new things, spend time with them, do things with them to help ensure a healthy self esteem level and to surround themselves with wonderful friends.
Though these challenges can get overwhelming, the best way to get through them is to love them the best way you know how. Keep in mind, such as how you were growing up, being a teenager is just a phase.
