There’s just something about teenage years that make you wonder how things get so complicated. Going through the stages and emotions of a teenager can be just as confusing for you as it is for your teens, and it really forces you to sit and think back to your teenage years.

Many parents experience and feel a lot of frustration during this stage in your child’s life. The constant clashing of attitudes and the fact that you don’t “get them” can be overwhelming and really make you feel like you’re losing that special bond you once had with your child. Well, as a parent, it’s common to have those feelings and just know that you’re not alone.

If you’re going through this phase with your child, it’s important to know that it’s not always something that you’re doing, or doing wrong. Your child is just going through a period of self-discovery, trying to figure out who they are and what they want out of life… there are adults still trying to figure that out! So if your teen is going through that, just be glad that it’s happening now, rather than later!

Now, the relationship between you and your teen doesn’t need to be complicated just because they’re going through this. It’s not a reason for you to stay out of their way until this phase passes and vice versa. If anything, it should make you rise to the occasion to get more involved in their life. *Just so you know, you “rising to the occasion” might come off as annoying to your teen.* But that’s okay… it’s being done out of love!

Going through the growing pains with your teenager is certainly no easy task, but you’re up for the challenge. Just remember, supporting your teen during this stage in their life might require you to re-examine yourself and remember that you were once a teenager yourself, so don’t approach certain situations with guns blazing. Take a look at these ways you can build a better relationship with your teenage during their journey to self-discovery.

Talk

Lack of conversation is the one the top issues in parent-to-teen relationships. It’s very important to have regular conversations with your teenager. You all people know how hard it can be to be a teenager.

They may be going through something or have something on their mind that they’re not comfortable sharing with their friends… you could be that outlet for them. Remind them that you were once a teenager too, letting them know that you could really help them out with whatever they’re going through.

Take Interest in Their Interests

Showing interest in your teen’s interests plays a major role in the development of your teen. Actively engaging in what they like to do or even just learning more about their hobbies can really mean a lot to them… even if they don’t show it.

Let’s say you have a teen athlete… a soccer player. Soccer really isn’t a sport that you’re into, but you can still support them because they love it. Going to their games is a great way to show support. Now, if you really want to blow them out the park, you can do the unthinkable, by sending them to a soccer camp!

Send them to soccer camp? You’re thinking “been there, done that…” But this is not just any regular soccer camp. Imagine the look on your teen’s face when you tell them you want to support their craft by giving them the opportunity to enroll in the top soccer camp in Barcelona. If that’s not showing love and support of their interest… I don’t know what is.

Get to Know Their Friends

Getting to know your teen’s friends allows you to be more active in their social life, and with that comes the ability for your teenager to openly communicate more with you. Now, I’m not saying to become besties with your teenager because there is a fine line between parenting and friendship, and if those lines get blurred it can cause even more confusion, but there’s nothing wrong with getting to know their friends.

If your teenager is like most teenagers, then the opinions of their friends weigh heavily with them. If you can get in good with your teen’s friends, then you can get in good with your teen. Not that you are competing in the Hunger Games for a better relationship with your child, but hey, it an opportunity presents itself, why not take it?

Published: 2019-01-25 07:09:50