by Bluebird

Created on: August 24, 2009

Dating, changing body, attending extremely boring classes, peer pressure, etc. I could go on naming all the problems faced by teenagers. At this age, they are particularly self conscious but at the same time pretend they don't care about what the world thinks of them.

Parenting at this stage is a very tricky thing. It is necessary that you acquire some serious listening skills. It must be implemented by the time your kid steps into his/her teens. Early teen is the time when kids are exposed to a whole lot of changes such as puberty. Parents at this time must be understanding and discrete. Try to talk to them often, and appear to sympathize with them even though you find their difficulties a trifling matter. Remember they tend to be very edgy and will pounce on a chance to dislike you.

Involve your teens in family discussions and ask them for their opinions. Allow them to express their views in different matters and appreciate their involvement. Make them feel that they are being taken seriously. In so doing you are increasing their sense of belonging, thus reducing the chances of them falling into bad company.

Responsibility is something teens must value by themselves. Parents should never force it on them. Instead ask them for favors and be willing to reciprocate them. Allow them to take up responsibilities on their own and show them that you have faith in their abilities.

It is wise to avoid advising teens, because most of the time they are irked by it. Instead lend them your opinion smoothly, they can either take it or leave it. Allow them to make mistakes, trust me; they learn a lot better that way than you spending hours talking about morals and life. Take care to make very less use of the word Don't, it is quite attractive to teens and urges them to do just the opposite.

Make sure you don't do anything to hurt their pride; they tend to take it to heart which will be followed by drinking and other means of escaping humiliation. Avoid teasing your kid especially when they don't think it's funny.

Surprise them occasionally by preparing something they like or buying them a gift without occasion just to show them how much you love them. Above all remember to tell them that you love them everyday. A simple I Love You will suffice.

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