The teenage years are a time of tremendous growth and change. This is exciting for both of you. But as a parent, you worry. What if your teen makes bad decisions? Or gets into risky situations? One of your jobs as a parent is to give your teen freedom to grow, but within safe boundaries.
Set reasonable, age-appropriate limits
Don’t wait for a crisis to put boundaries in place. Set rules that are appropriate for your teen’s age and maturity. As your teen shows responsibility, adjust the rules to allow more freedom.
Communicate often
The values you instill in your teen are their best defense against situations that aren't prepared for. So, while rules of behavior are important, it’s also critical that you keep the conversation going. This will strengthen your bond. It keeps you connected to your teen’s world and allows you to talk about your values.
Be consistent
Expect that your teenager may push against the limits that you set. But stay firm. Kids need clear rules that are consistently enforced. Your teen will be confused and angry if, for example, you let them go out with friends one school night but insist they stay in the next night.
Use logical consequences
You’ve probably been doing this since toddler days. Back then you took a toy away when your child threw it. The same applies now. If they get a speeding ticket, take away driving privileges for a while. Have them either pay for, or work off the cost of the ticket.
Give your teen room to make choices
You want to protect your teen from harm. But they also need space to grow and mature. Unless a situation is dangerous, encourage them to make their own decisions. If it’s the wrong decision, they’ll learn from the mistake. If it’s right, they will take pride in the accomplishment.
Keep yourself under control
Your teenager may push you to the point where you lose your temper. Before you become emotional, walk away. Try counting to 10. Take deep breaths. Go for a walk. Do whatever it takes to stay calm. You want to model appropriate behavior to them.
Remember what it’s like to be a teenager
When your teen pushes against a boundary, step back for a minute. Think about when you were that age. Being caught between childhood and adulthood is frustrating. And teens today are under a lot of stress. Maybe it’s time to negotiate new boundaries. Even if it’s not, your teen will feel cared for and understood if you show empathy.
The teenage years are a time of tremendous growth and change. This is exciting for both of you. But as a parent, you worry. What if your teen makes bad decisions? Or gets into risky situations? One of your jobs as a parent is to give your teen freedom to grow, but within safe boundaries.
Set reasonable, age-appropriate limits
Don’t wait for a crisis to put boundaries in place. Set rules that are appropriate for your teen’s age and maturity. As your teen shows responsibility, adjust the rules to allow more freedom.
Communicate often
The values you instill in your teen are their best defense against situations that aren't prepared for. So, while rules of behavior are important, it’s also critical that you keep the conversation going. This will strengthen your bond. It keeps you connected to your teen’s world and allows you to talk about your values.
Be consistent
Expect that your teenager may push against the limits that you set. But stay firm. Kids need clear rules that are consistently enforced. Your teen will be confused and angry if, for example, you let them go out with friends one school night but insist they stay in the next night.
Use logical consequences
You’ve probably been doing this since toddler days. Back then you took a toy away when your child threw it. The same applies now. If they get a speeding ticket, take away driving privileges for a while. Have them either pay for, or work off the cost of the ticket.
Give your teen room to make choices
You want to protect your teen from harm. But they also need space to grow and mature. Unless a situation is dangerous, encourage them to make their own decisions. If it’s the wrong decision, they’ll learn from the mistake. If it’s right, they will take pride in the accomplishment.
Keep yourself under control
Your teenager may push you to the point where you lose your temper. Before you become emotional, walk away. Try counting to 10. Take deep breaths. Go for a walk. Do whatever it takes to stay calm. You want to model appropriate behavior to them.
Remember what it’s like to be a teenager
When your teen pushes against a boundary, step back for a minute. Think about when you were that age. Being caught between childhood and adulthood is frustrating. And teens today are under a lot of stress. Maybe it’s time to negotiate new boundaries. Even if it’s not, your teen will feel cared for and understood if you show empathy.
The teenage years are a time of tremendous growth and change. This is exciting for both of you. But as a parent, you worry. What if your teen makes bad decisions? Or gets into risky situations? One of your jobs as a parent is to give your teen freedom to grow, but within safe boundaries.
Set reasonable, age-appropriate limits
Don’t wait for a crisis to put boundaries in place. Set rules that are appropriate for your teen’s age and maturity. As your teen shows responsibility, adjust the rules to allow more freedom.
Communicate often
The values you instill in your teen are their best defense against situations that aren't prepared for. So, while rules of behavior are important, it’s also critical that you keep the conversation going. This will strengthen your bond. It keeps you connected to your teen’s world and allows you to talk about your values.
Be consistent
Expect that your teenager may push against the limits that you set. But stay firm. Kids need clear rules that are consistently enforced. Your teen will be confused and angry if, for example, you let them go out with friends one school night but insist they stay in the next night.
Use logical consequences
You’ve probably been doing this since toddler days. Back then you took a toy away when your child threw it. The same applies now. If they get a speeding ticket, take away driving privileges for a while. Have them either pay for, or work off the cost of the ticket.
Give your teen room to make choices
You want to protect your teen from harm. But they also need space to grow and mature. Unless a situation is dangerous, encourage them to make their own decisions. If it’s the wrong decision, they’ll learn from the mistake. If it’s right, they will take pride in the accomplishment.
Keep yourself under control
Your teenager may push you to the point where you lose your temper. Before you become emotional, walk away. Try counting to 10. Take deep breaths. Go for a walk. Do whatever it takes to stay calm. You want to model appropriate behavior to them.
Remember what it’s like to be a teenager
When your teen pushes against a boundary, step back for a minute. Think about when you were that age. Being caught between childhood and adulthood is frustrating. And teens today are under a lot of stress. Maybe it’s time to negotiate new boundaries. Even if it’s not, your teen will feel cared for and understood if you show empathy.