Welcome to the teenage years. If you thought the toddler years were hard, welcome to stage two! Similar to the toddler years, this is a period of your child’s life full of rebellion and for many, utter disrespect. Parenting through these adolescent years can be incredibly challenging.
Yet if you put in the work now, and maintain a positive and patient attitude with your child, you can maintain a close relationship with them when they’re adults, and you’re retired and living in an assisted living facility.
To help you, here are some of the most helpful tips to see you through.
Practice the 5-Second Rule
Since your teenager is mature in so many ways, it’s easy to have high expectations of them. For this reason, when they reply with a disappointing attitude it’s easy to lose your patience. However, when you start to feel the anger rise, it’s more critical than ever that you follow the 5 second rule.
The 5 second rule means taking a deep breath and counting to five before replying. Remember that even though they may seem like an adult, they’re still in “construction mode.” You can’t have the same expectations as you would from a full grown up. Remind yourself of this before you reply, and it will help you stay cool.
Teach Effective Communication
Communication is important at any age, however, it’s especially important during the teenage years. Effective communication is critical for managing your sassy teenager, and showing them how to be a better communicator once they’re an adult.
Encourage them to share how they feel in a constructive way, and remind them that it’s possible to disagree without resorting to conflict. Show them the art of communication without hostility, and make them feel safe expressing what they need to say.
Set Boundaries
Teenagers are constantly testing their limits and how far they can push things. Rest assured that this is a natural part of their development. This is why it’s critical that you set clear boundaries so they understand not only the rules but why the rules are in place. A firm and fair hand is critical for helping your teenager understand what is and what is not acceptable. Remember, rules alone aren’t enough. You always have to explain why the rules are in place if you hope for them to be respected.
Choose Your Battles
Remember, not every disagreement is worth a full-fledged battle. Choose your battles wisely, and know when things should be escalated and when they should be let go. If you let every little thing escalate, then you’ll live in a constant state of conflict and frustration. Save your energy for the important occasions that really require your attention.
