Child parenting can be easy since you are still building your kid’s foundation in his/her personality. However, once a child grows to an age where it can think by itself, discipline can come across as more reprimanding than caring.
You could find yourself acting more like a guide than a teacher or a rule-maker. That is not to suggest you would not have to interfere if your child is in danger, or that your adolescent would not face penalties.
Acknowledging the difference in approach between kids and teenagers can be new for parents, for example—angsty teenagers are worse to handle. At the peak of time, teens will undergo a certain existential crisis referred to as the “angsty phase”, and believe me, it is not as easy as it sounds. Sooner or later, your teen will desire more autonomy and privacy, as well as a greater focus on their social activities. They may want to keep their social media chats private and spend more time in their room with the door shut.
Mostly known as “self-isolation”, it is important for the parents’ appearance to be there now and then. If you think that your kids are exactly experiencing what is stated above, here are some discipline tips for your angsty teenagers.
Setting clear limitations
Becoming a parent can be harsh, especially in the route of discipline. After all, we all want what is best for our children and as much as possible we do not want to discipline them in any sort of action. However, once a teen lacks control of their feelings, it is the parents’ sole job to take over. This does not mean to necessarily be the demanding force for your kids, just set clear limitations and involve yourself with your kids in working out those boundaries. Set it clear, do not let it be blurry and hard to comprehend. Explain their responsibilities, and agree on whatever your kid is talking about. Moreover, your willingness to discuss in a proper conversation with your kids can eventually lead you to a better relationship and communication with them.
Be available at any given time
In such a crucial peak of time, angsty teens are in dire need of parental attention. Even if they do not ask or like it, it is an automated role of the parents to be available for their children as much as possible. Thus, schedule and allot time for your kids, and let them know that you are there for support. Many teens truly desire parental direction. They may just refuse to ask for it. Set aside a Saturday afternoon for the two of you to walk the dog or do errands together. You may not say anything that looks significant, yet the signal you give is significant. The bit about scheduling is crucial. Their days might be jam-packed with school, sports, clubs, time with friends, and after-school employment. It's simple to slip off their calendar. To make yourself more visible to your kids’ eyes, be available for them.
Pick your Battles: Power Struggle
The power struggle between teenagers and parents during its peak is both a crucial time for their relationship. During this time, parents are tested with their patience meanwhile teens are desiring for their freedom. Thus, it is important to always pick your battle as a parent. Do not be suffocating, give them their freedom and prove your power figure if a must. Teenagers and their parents are always in a power struggle. This is because the closer children grow to maturity, the more they desire freedom. Take care not to take every quarrel and disagreement personally. Friction is an inevitable aspect of the process. "That's not fair!" your teen exclaims. Resist the urge to argue with "or "I'll do it later." Set a definite limit and hold themselves accountable for whatever is needed to take into account.
Let them experience failure and mistakes
One of the things so hard about parenting is witnessing your kids experience utter failure and mistakes. Thus, as much as possible, we try to prevent it—and control their actions in every way. However, that does not sound like good parenting, does it? Especially if you are handling a kid who strives for their freedom, controlling your children’s actions is not an ideal thing to do. What’s ideal is letting them own up to their faults and mistakes. This is a stepping stone from learning, and the experience that they will garner can never be replaced by any educational system. A good parent will see the importance of letting their children learn from their errors. Rather than attempting to avoid the potential of poor judgment on their behalf, use some of their innocuous mistakes as educational opportunities.
Teach them hard-earned privileges
Providing your kids with good financial support is one of a parent’s lifelong dreams. After all, which parent in the world does not want to give their kids the best life? However, as much as we want to provide, it will create a mindset for their kids to be spoiled in all types of ways. If your kid breaks the rules, it may be a sign that they are not ready for the independence you have given them. Good parenting is not only good financial support, you must also teach them how to earn what they want without mommy or daddy’s support. Hard-earned privilege is one of the most crucial tips that you can teach your kid. Let them be more open to what is given to them and not on what they what to happen. Become more thankful for what is provided and remove privileges that will deteriorate their moral values and life skills.
Having an open mind when it comes to parenting teens is crucial. Because each child is unique, they will experience adolescence on their manner. Instead of using an iron fist to manage the situation, utilize emotional intelligence to connect and interact with your children. Rather than attempting to tame teenagers, it is considerably more beneficial to create genuine understanding with them as they mature.
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