Raising a teenager isn’t an easy task – we all remember what it was like to be one and the difficulties you face figuring out your identity and coping with bodily changes around that age. It can lead to teens becoming moodier or more difficult to live with, but it’s a confusing time for teenagers and parents need to know how to cope with the stress these changes might cause. Here are some of the reasons why understanding your teen is so important and how to do just that.

Build their confidence 

One of the reasons that teens can become difficult to talk to during this phase of their lives is that they can feel like they struggle to fit in. Their interests may change, their body starts to change and there are more challenges at school, not to mention that there’s a flood of hormones coursing through them every day. It can be a lot to deal with and they might feel a lack of confidence or sense of identity in themselves.  

Communication is essential from parents during this time – make sure they know that you love them and that you’re there to support them. It can make a huge difference to their outlook and how they feel about themselves in general. Be specific when you praise them – comment on how well they’re doing at school or that you’re impressed by them. It will show that you truly value them and that you understand the difficulties they’re facing.

Teach resilience 

These are tough times for many teens – they may be struggling with school or bullying, or they might develop body image issues as their body changes. But it’s important that you teach them resilience during this period so they can learn how to weather difficult times and come out stronger on the other side. This might be teaching them how to manage their stress or emotions or helping them to cope with setbacks that might arise.

Develop trust 

As your teen grows up, they’re sure to come into contact with new people and situations that might push them to make difficult decisions. They might face peer pressure to drink or take drugs or fall in with different friend groups. But supporting them and fostering a relationship with them that’s built on trust and unconditional support will ensure that when they’re faced with difficulties, they will be able to speak to you and ask for advice without judgement.  

But it’s also important from the other perspective – parents often only spot the problems and negative changes, but teens respond better to positive feedback, so point out the things that have changed for the better too.

Set expectations without controlling 

From insisting on honesty to self-control and respect for those around them, parents need to set expectations for their children and lead by example in terms of how to behave. But it’s also important to remember that your teen is growing up – they’re not a child anymore and you need to relinquish a certain amount of control to enable them the opportunity to learn from their own mistakes and be their own person.  

Remember what it was like when you were a teenager – it’s a period of your life when you’re starting to gain more independence, so let your teen have the same opportunities that you would have wanted afforded to you.

Listen

Your teen might be becoming more assertive as they gain more independence and learn what they like and don’t like. But instead of taking this as criticism, listen – take the time to talk to them and understand what they want. It’s a good time to get to know your child all over again as you find out their capabilities and personality quirks, as well as their fears or concerns.

Final thoughts 

The teenage years can be bumpy, not just for teens but also for parents. You’re all navigating a new stage and it can come with its challenges. But there are ways for everyone involved to get through this difficult period without too much stress and arguments.

Creating a safe home environment that’s centred around trust and respect helps enormously, along with allowing an appropriate level of independence and assertiveness. Develop a relationship that encourages communication so that they know they can always come to you in times of need, but it’s also important to teach responsibility. Listen to your teen and try to see things from their perspective, as well as your own, for everyone to feel like they’re being listened to.