by JS Daniel

Created on: August 04, 2009   Last Updated: August 23, 2009

Parenting a teenager can be stressful and difficult at times. There's lot of arguments and tension involved. Maybe the reason for this is you remain a parent and they grow into a teenager. We always see our children as that little child who held our hands when crossing the road and depended on us for everything. Maybe we fail to accept the fact that they are growing into adults. No matter how hard it is we have to acknowledge the fact that they are growing up. So let's see what we can do to improve the relationship with our teens.

Your teens do not have the maturity level you possess. So be prepared to explain even the simplest of things. They enter into this phase where they tent to question a lot. They have a totally different insight of life. They think anything and everything is possible. They do not have the ability to see long term consequences. So it's your duty to explain and make them understand things. It may take some time but they will eventually understand. They will learn things by reasoning if they have the right guidance.

Be a good friend with the qualities of a parent. They should be comfortable enough to come and share their happiness and sadness with you. We should listen to their problems like a friend. Our analyzing skills should be that of a parent. Hang out with your kids. Speak a lot to them. They will also start speaking to you. Share your experiences with your kids but maintain a boundary. No matter how friendly you are with your kids know when to say no. Set certain rules that they should follow, like the time for coming home or that they should inform you before they go somewhere.

When setting out rules do not be harsh or extremely strict. Explain why you are setting them and the discipline they learn from that. For example, if they question you as to why they have to inform about their whereabouts, do not tell them that you need to know what they are doing. Try telling them that it just to contact them in case of an emergency. Make them that they have a responsibility.

Encourage your teenager when needed. Say positive things that will boost confidence in them. Teenage years will be confusing for them as they go through a lot of changes mentally and physically. So they are prone to stress. Make it a point to sit and speak with them. Good communication is a key factor in any relationship. If they are depressed about something ask them about it and try to give them solutions. Does not force them into saying things instead let them know that you are there if they someone to speak to. Build a positive and good attitude in them.

Get to know their friends and if possible their families also. Friends are important in their teenage years. They should be comfortable enough to bring their friends home.

Teach them the importance of your family traditions. Do not impose it on them. Just let them know about it.

Do not take decisions for your teens. Be there to help them in their decisions by letting them know the pros and cons. Let them try to make important choices. It will develop decision making skills and teach them to be independent.

Do not get frustrated if things do go the other way even after you have tried so much. There are certain things which they will learn from mistakes. Their course of life will have experiences from which they'll learn. Every step that you take with your children is important and this shapes them as individuals. So be there for them and incorporate good ideals and teachings. Help them to grow as a sensible and responsible human being.

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