How to parent a teen

[Jonah Ryan Bassman]

In light of recent events around my house, I, being a sixteen-year-old, thought I’d address some misconceptions and faults that often exist in parents. Teenagers may not be who you think they are, and you might be making some fundamental mistakes in the way you parent them.

For starters, let’s talk discipline. I’ve seen a fair amount of it directed toward my peers and myself, and I have a pretty good idea of which tactics work and which ones don’t. A popular (however often ineffective) technique seems to be forbidding the teen in question from seeing his or her girlfriend or boyfriend. This is a grave mistake, because while this seems to work at first, love is a powerful, yet fragile thing, to be handled with care. This strategy may get the job done, as a last resort, but be warned: this separation of a young couple can be so emotionally jarring that it is rendered ineffective, and even detrimental at times.

Another thing parents tend not to excel at is the issue of how much space to give their growing adolescent. Far more often than not, the child is given either too much or too little space to test boundaries, roam freely; call it what you like. It is of vital importance that your young adult be given some slack when they don’t do something right on the path to maturity, because this will give them the room to find out who they are, and have an enjoyable childhood, if you have anything to say about it.

In conclusion, there are two key principles I would stress, to be utilized as your child grows up: let a healthy relationship unfold by itself, and give them room to grow in general. Take it from me- teenagers have nothing against you, and we have the best of intentions when properly parented. And take heart: every other parent runs into trouble with his or her offspring. You are by no means alone, and it gets better.

-Jonah Ryan Bassman

[Swati88]

With proper discipline,you can make them learn each and everything!! So do not worry much buddy!!