Adolescent for most kids is a daunting yet fascinating phase of their life, this is a stage where kids who want to act as one, start experiencing changes that transition them from childhood to adulthood. Parenting adolescents is being watchful of the age your kid starts to experience these changes though the ages vary from child to child, it typically begins around age 10 and can continue until the late teens or early twenties. Understanding the behavioral changes that come with adolescence can be quite challenging for you as parents because this is the stage where they question who they are, what they believe in, and how they fit into the world around them. Here are a few parenting tips and advice to help raise a decent and healthy adolescent.

Understanding Adolescent Development

One of the most noticeable aspects of adolescence is the physical transformation that occurs during puberty in both genders. For your girl child, this includes breast development, the start of menstruation, and wider hips, all these can be overwhelming emotionally and physically if not supported with the right assistance. Boys typically experience facial and body hair growth, voice deepening, and increased muscle mass, these changes can sometimes be uncomfortable for teens but it is fascinating to provide them with the right assurance that what they are experiencing is normal. 

As they grow, they naturally start to pull away from you by doing things alone in the quest for more privacy, and they want to follow their instincts and opinions. So it is okay to support their growing independence by gradually giving them more responsibilities and freedoms, while still maintaining appropriate boundaries and expectations. This balance helps them learn to make responsible decisions while knowing they have a safety net to fall back on. 

Even though they want to fit in and feel understood by their peers as a sense of acceptance by others going through similar experiences which can lead to positive and negative outcomes, you can communicate openly with your teen about their friends or take interest in their social life. You can also demonstrate a healthy relationship with your partner (husband) as they are watching you and of course, love to see it healthy!

Set Clear Boundaries And Expectations

Teenagers are more likely to obey rules when they understand the logical reasoning behind them by explaining why certain rules are in place. For example, instead of  saying, “You have to be home by 10 PM,” you might say, “We want you to be home by 10 PM because it’s important to get enough sleep for school, staying out late can sometimes lead to unsafe situations.” When they understand the logic behind the rules, they’re more likely to see them as fair and reasonable. They love to test boundaries with the urge to follow their decision but setting clear boundaries calls for reasonable expectations from them.

Manage Technology Use and Support Academic Activities

Get this, a confident child will never be ashamed to show off her parent’s act of service among her peers. This could be showing genuine interest in their school life or, asking them about their day, what subjects they enjoy, and which ones they find challenging. Showing up at important occasions for your child like graduation or music festivals goes a long way for them. 

Also, keep watch of their activities online and screen time though this doesn’t mean you need to invade their privacy, but it’s important to have an idea of the sites they visit, the games they play, and the people they interact with. Use parental controls and privacy settings to help manage what they experience online. 

Be a Positive Role Model

Your teen is watching how you handle everyday situations so if you want them to be honest, respectful, and responsible, you need to exhibit these qualities yourself. Show integrity in your actions and decisions while consistently upholding your values,  if you value kindness let them see you being kind to others. At times, you have to practice what you preach, if you have a rule about screen time limit then you as a parent should not be seen violating this rule.

Support Positive Peer Relationships

For a growing teen, the benefits of positive friendships cannot be overemphasized, friends provide emotional support, offer a different perspective on an idea, and help develop your social skills. Your group of friends should be a source of companionship during the days of loneliness, making everyday activities more enjoyable and meaningful. Motivate them to look out for friends who are kind, supportive, and share similar interests and values. Emphasize that a true friend respects their boundaries and doesn’t pressure them into doing things they’re uncomfortable with.

Finally, your efforts as a parent make a profound impact by being a supportive and understanding parent because you’ve instilled in your child all the values needed to mentor into a well-rounded, responsible adult. So, keep doing your best, never blame yourself for any negative behavior from your child, and trust that your positive influence will shape a bright future for your teen.