The gradual transition from cute gem to stroppy teenager is a difficult time for any parent, and may leave you stuck for ideas on how best to handle it. Here iCandy have listed some of the main things you can do when dealing with this hard period in life, and how best to make things easy for your early teen and you!
Be calm and consistent
Psychologists have found that a teenager’s brain deals with much more emotion than they do logic, due to the increased levels of hormones rushing through their body. This often confuses and frightens a teen. It’s important to understand this change and stay calm. Also be consistent, making sure you are always there for them so they know that they can rely on you whenever they need to.
Show them you care
Tantrums are a teenagers way of reaching out to their parents. They expect a reaction, which generally comprises of a continued argument. Try and make sure you are offering your time for them to voice any concerns they may have, before it leads to a heated debate. Don’t push it on them, reinforce them of your constant and caring presence so they can come to you when they feel the time is right. I would recommend picking them up from school, or dropping them off at their friend’s house, as this is the perfect time for you to talk.
You are a role model for your child – remember this!
No matter what a teenager tells you, or how many times the words “I hate you” come up, remember that inside they will always look up to you. Use this as a guideline for their upbringing. Make sure they don’t see you smoking, drinking, arguing etc., as this will reinforce them to think that this is acceptable behaviour.
Give responsibility but set ground rules
Your child is growing into an adult, therefore needs the responsibility to be able to learn how to live as one. Give them enough responsibility to feel respected, however, always set strict ground rules to follow, teaching them the discipline they will need later on in adult life.
Voice your concerns
As awkward as the “birds and the bees” conversation may be, it is much better to voice your opinion rather than letting them make mistakes they can’t undo. Try not to enforce rules upon them, but give information and guidance on whatever the topic may be.
Finally, always show them love, they need it!
I hope I do remember these when my kids be in that age. 🙂
Love your blog style. Love! Krista x
Thanks for the tips! My eldest is 10 and I have four children so I have the whole ‘teens’ thing to look forward too! EEEk I dread the girls entering the teens more though – My parents had 2 of each and said me and my sister were worse!
Great tips! I’ve a while to go till we get here but I’ll pass them onto my sister
It’s a while until we get there, I hope I remember these though. Some great tips! X
I don’t have children yet but I agree with all your tips, epescially the point about remembering to be your childs role model! & it’s so so important to show your children that you care!
L x
Thanks for the tips, my son is 13 and has deffinitely been having the hormones up and down, i feel bad for him some times because its an awful time in growing up. but with it is coming so much maturity, he is being so helpful with me being pregnant, im so proud of my little teenager!
I am coping with an older teenager lots of problems anger and anxiety some due to both his dad and step dad dying and having to get support for him life his very hard and stressful, Not easy coping with a teenager but added pressure on top is very draining and a worry!
some good advice could be applied much younger aswell
My eldest daughter is 8 so I still have a few years before I have to start worrying!
SOme sound advice there 🙂
I’ve got a long time until I need to deal with this, but the advice makes good sense, and i can remember so well being a teenager myself! x
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Brilliant – keep calm and carry on!
When my son was a teenager it was a very stressful time. I do not envy him and his five children with their teenage years to come.
My friend is having a baby girl in a few weeks and I would love to gift her this
Coping with early teens ? Take a deep breath and remember that you are the parent – not their friend the boundaries you have and the rules that you make are there for a reason – make them but more importantly stick to them – Engage in dialogue but not to be worn down to their want / need / way of thinking – You are still in charge
keep calm and carry on!
Great article. My boy is only 3 just now but there was some great advice here.
absolutely brilliant advice!
Wise words 🙂
Some great tips – Thanks