Forbes June 20, 2024
Lifestyle
Many parents face a sense of disconnection with their kids as they grow into teenagers. They might express concerns like:
According to a 2022 National Poll conducted by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, 82% of parents stated they would talk to their adolescent if they believed they were facing problems. However, only one in four parents felt that their teen would confide in them if they were experiencing an issue.
Adolescence is a fragile time, rife with constant change and false starts at self-discovery. Teenagers navigate internal struggles, seek validation from peers and shape their identities. Therefore, having social support they can rely on unconditionally is essential. Parental support, in particular, plays a crucial role in providing a sense of security and belonging among adolescents.
To maintain a strong connection with your teenager during this turbulent period, consider the following strategies.
As teenagers learn and explore new aspects of life, it may feel like they are drifting away from you. This sense of disconnect can be unsettling, especially as they interact with new people, make friends and embrace new experiences.
The onset of puberty and the transition to high school introduce an entirely new phase of life. During this time, teenagers fear being cast out or judged by their peers because they can feel like the whole world is watching them, a phenomenon researchers refer to as the “spotlight effect.”
A sense of social crisis can shake the beliefs and values you have carefully instilled in them during their earlier years. This does not mean, however, that your influence is waning. It simply means that your teen’s social world is expanding, according to research published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence.
Parents often maintain the same approach with their teenagers as they did when they were younger, leading to frustration when their teens don’t behave as they used to. Teenagers may seem unusually grumpy, needing more space and may experience increased conflicts with parents. What previously worked with them suddenly doesn’t work anymore.
You can adjust your parenting approach using the following strategies:
Give your teenagers autonomy and encourage them to make their own decisions and learn from their mistakes. Offer guidance when necessary, but avoid imposing your will.
While teenagers are prone to making mistakes and may sometimes go astray, it is vital to create an environment where they trust you enough to turn to you when they need help. This trust is built through consistent, open and empathetic communication. Here’s how to maintain open lines of communication with your children:
Building trust and non-judgmental support is fundamental, as teenagers need to feel that they can rely on you without fear of being judged. When they know you are there to support them unconditionally, they are more likely to seek your guidance during challenging times.
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