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By Adwina Jackson
As your child approaches teen age –around 12-13 years old-
you’ll experience some changes in him. He will probably be out
of the house more often and wants to keep his privacy from
you.
Other times, he may not be listening to you nor doing what you
ask him.
Many parents in the world find the same troubles when dealing
with their teens. Hope you don’t get them. But if you do,
don’t
worry! Keep on reading to get solutions.
Just like when you were a teenager, you wanted to spend times
with your peers rather than with your parents or family,
right?
Your teen feels the same way, too. Making his own decision is
another important thing for him besides privacy.
Now, do you think your teen is out of control and never wants
to listen to you?
Don’t give up! Of course you can help yourself deal with your
teen. The best way to do it is to always strengthen your
relationship with him. But how?
Here are the solutions:
1. Talk with him more – It’s better if you start the
conversation. It can be just “How was your day, buddy?” Try to
discuss many things instead of interrogate him. Find
interesting topics, such as sport, entertainment, friends, and
school experience to make it relaxing.
2. Listen to him – If he reveals his criticism to you, listen
to him and ask what he expects you to do. Talk about this
wisely, not emotionally. It’s good for him to be able to
express the feeling.
3. Set rules for him – Your teen needs to recognize what is
and
isn’t acceptable and what the consequences of misbehavior are.
Therefore you should set, or precisely, negotiate some rules
with your teen to keep him on track.
4. Consider his point of view – Regard your teen as your
friend
and respect his opinion whenever you discuss something. This
also shows that you pay attention to him and consider him as
important.
5. Encourage your teen by doing his interests and talent –
Most
teens like to try new things. Let yours choose what he
desires,
though you don’t agree with it because, for example, it can
endanger him. Giving him support is the best you can do, while
you keep monitoring that the new activity is safe for him.
Moreover, this idea is a good way of teaching your teen on how
to be responsible with things he does.
6. Do things together – This one is surely a great opportunity
for you to improve your relationship with your teen. Why?
‘Cause you probably haven’t had much time to spend with him.
Arrange agenda for the whole month. In each week, make an
interesting plan for you and him and get the pleasant results
at the end of it.
Still about the last point above, think of exciting activities
you both can do together. For example, in the first week, play
video games together on Saturday, while on the next day both
of
you can go bowling or swimming at the beach.
Later, in the following weeks, set up enjoyable weekends by
doing these: having breakfast at a popular coffee shop which
makes your teen’s favorite food and beverage, going fishing,
going to the movie, camping, or visiting a college where your
teen looks forward to join in the future.
Conclusively, warm and positive communication without
underestimating your teen is a key to successful relationship
between the two of you. Clearly it won’t work at once. Try the
tips progressively and enjoy your time being a parent of a
teenager.
About The Author: Adwina Jackson is a wife and mother of a
young boy. She's also the editor of Inspiring Parenting, an
online source of valuable parenting information. Please visit
www.InspiringParenting.com for helpful and free
parenting info. Observe your children's health, growth and
development by clicking the website.
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