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10 Parenting Habits To Develop Before Your Child Becomes A Teen

Parenting is an art and to be honest, it is very difficult to master the art of parenting. Most of all, parenting teenagers is not the easiest. One cannot blame the child for his or her rebellious behaviour during teenage as it can be a result of physiological and psychological changes that a child goes through. Developmental psychologists convey numerous theories on the behaviour of a teenage child that suggest that adolescence corresponds to a time when the human race is in turbulent transitional stage.

Stanley Hall, was the first psychologist to advance a psychology of adolescence and used scientific methods to study them. Hall described adolescence period as "Strom and Stress".

Adolescence is a developmental transition between childhood and adulthood. Despite some negative perceptions about teens, they are often energetic, thoughtful, and idealistic, with a deep interest in what's fair and right. So, although it can be a period of conflict between parent and child, the teen years are also a time to help children grow into the distinct individuals they will become.

It is important to ensure a smooth and a healthy transition for the child. Being a parent this responsibility to facilitate the child can be difficult as they have to deal with numerous hurdles and break barriers. The key to effective parenting is to know the right approach which can prove to be effective and also that can back fire.

1) Education

Effective parenting requires knowledge and understanding your child's biological and psychological changes during this age. Being educated about the changes can help you to understand the needs of the child and also will enable you to teach your child about these changes. This is important because children this age are increasingly aware of how others, especially their peers, see them and are desperately trying to fit in. Their peers often become much more important than parents as far as making decisions.

Children often start "trying on" different looks and identities, and they become very aware of how they differ from their peers, which can result in episodes of distress and conflict with parents.

2) Independence and Privacy

The primary goal of teenage is to gain independence. Children would start pulling away from their parents. And parents may find that their kids who previously had been willing to conform to please them will suddenly begin asserting themselves and their opinions strongly and rebelling against parental control. This is happens because they start to think more rationally and abstractly. They are forming their moral code.

Parents have to give them sufficient room to do so and also at the same time keep a watch on how much room you give. Do not invade your child's privacy unless you notice any trouble. Also do not expect your children to share everything that goes on in their lives during this age. Respect their privacy and build trust with them. Make them understand that they will enjoy fewer freedom if their trust is broken.

3) Parental Guidance

Teens will explore their world in every way possible, like dye their hair, paint their fingernails black, or wear funky clothes, etc. Think twice before you object their decision. You can ask your child why does he/she want to do it and try to understand their feeling. You can let them do things that are harmless and temporary.

Make sure you object to things such as tobacco, drugs, alcohol and other harmful substances. Help your teen child understand how he/she can be a victim of these ill substances

4) Restrict Viewing Content

This age group can easily fall into explicit sexual contents. As a parent take the responsibility to monitor your teen's viewing. Explain to them that they cannot have unlimited access to T.V and internet and they cannot use it in private.

Be aware of what you watch and read in front of them and make sure they are not exposed to anything dangerous or disturbing on media. Access to technology also should be limited after certain hours. 

5) Setting Ground Rules

It is important for teens to get adequate sleep. Make sure that bedtime is set and is followed. At least 8-9 hours of sleep is necessary. Encourage your child to follow these rules. Do not impose too many rules on your teen children. Put yourself in your child's place and set rules according.

6) Expectations

Your expectations have to be appropriate to your teen child. Else it can result in low levels of mental health. Teens usually understand that their parents care about them and they will try to meet their expectations such as good behaviour, achieving good grades and obeying rules. Without reasonable expectations from your teen children, they might start to feel that you don't care enough about them. 

7) Sex Education

Teens most of the time like to experiment and explore and sometimes they experimentations can include risky behaviour and can be dangerous. Educate them about sex, alcohol and drugs, do not avoid these topics. This would help them to act responsible when they are actually exposed to such things. Know the friends of your child and talk to them often to create a safe environment. Also communicate with their parents; this would help to keep a watch on your teen children without making them feel like they are watched.

8) Be Supportive

When your teen child comes to you with an idea or a plan, do not reject it or deny it by conveying negative points. It would discourage your child and make them loose confidence. Always provide support to appropriate things and encourage your child to be reasonable and avoid situations that can bring disaster.

9) Know Warning Signs

Change is expected in a teen, but drastic change in their personality or behaviour can be alarming. Make yourself available to your teen child whenever they need you so that any odd predicament can be solved. Keep a close watch on their health. Make sure exercise is practiced and physical active is present in their routine. This is important for teens to grow. Provide with ample food and also make sure their needs are met.

10) Be Confident

Teenage is a stage which has many up's and down's. Be strong and confident with your children. Always participate with them and make them feel like you are dealing with everything together. Do not fall back if you experience a rude behaviour by your child. Make an initiative to understand your child's behaviour and respond accordingly.

Every child is different and every parent is different in parenting. Know that the child is your responsibility and remember that you were once a teen too.

Please note: The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of mycity4kids. Any omissions or errors are the author's and mycity4kids does not assume any liability or responsibility for them.