Teenage is the phase of life when kids confront with different mental and physical changes. This is the age that going to decide their future. Parenting teenage kids is the toughest task as many parents don't get any clue how and when to limit their kids. When these kids were infants or twins it was easy to make them do the things you want them to do. But in teenage they develop their own values and beliefs. Also they start depending on friends rather than their parents.
After reading up to here you have started to think that you can only become a silent spectator and can do nothing to guide your teenage children. No, this problem is not that untreatable and your teenage children are still the pieces of your heart. Here are few important tips for all bewildered parents to raise teenage kids:
Decide a game plan beforehand: Every family has their own rules and regulations. It is the duty of the parents to convey their family values to their kids. You need to start planning for the same when you still have time in hand. Childhood is the best time to row the seeds of value inside your kids. Tell them short stories with good moral. Start giving them small responsibilities, like dumping trash inside the bin or keep toys back in the baskets after play time. This way they will develop as a responsible teens and will already have their own values as a teenager.
Do not always think negative: Whenever children touch the teenage milestone, parent start thinking negative in many ways. Parents think that these kinds don't belong to them anymore. If they don't agree about anything with them, parents think that they have become rebel. Do not think so much. It is a fact that you have a generation gap with them and they have built their own thinking process by this time. All these things don't indicate that your children have become rebels. Instead try to stay positive and be happy that your kids now are able to take their own responsibilities and take their own decisions.
Make friends with their friends: Friends are biggest influence in teenage. Teenagers turn to their friends for everything. So it is a great idea to know the association of your teenage kids in a better way. Invite their friends over meals and behave like a friend with them. If they like you they will share their thoughts with you. It will help you to track your kid's whereabouts. It is a very easy process, isn't it?
Try to comprehend your kid's mood: During teenage kids behave different. Sometimes they seem very happy and the other moment they become angry with every simple thing. Many parents do not understand teen psychology and their kid stay unpredictable. There is a very easy way out. Sometimes things are not that simple as they seem. It is also possible that your kid is suffering from some serious issues like drug addiction or teen mood disorder symptoms. Do not try to dig the matter, take help from experts instead. Take help of teen mood disorder treatment from a specialist to ensure recovery of your teenage kid. Don't worry a lot, these things happen and treatment can cure them completely.
Communication is the key: You just need to build up such an open discussion platform that your kid can easily communicate with you. It is very important that your kids can take any issue directly to you to get a solution. Remember that your kids are growing up and a grown up children is much like a friend. Make them realize this and they will not start hiding things. Do not reply them back with anger and try to understand entire situation from their point of view. Try to start little conversation over different interesting topics throughout the day and pick topics of their interest. It can be a game show, bikes, or makeup trivia. This way they will find interesting talking to you.
External pressure can be harmful: Teenage kids get easily inspired by recent happenings and their role models. They like to copy style from their favourite movie star, pop star, and sports person. They start dressing in a different way, try weird hairstyle; they feel a temptation to get tattooed. These things are very natural and if you pressurize them all the time to follow your choice it will make the rebel instead. Give them a little liberty and also try to complement them whenever possible. It will boost their self esteem. Also if you don't like something don't just say it, try to give some rational reason instead. It will help them to understand you too.
I agree that it is hard to handle teenage kids. But your parents were able to raise you during your teenage and so can you too. Try to be a role model for your kids and show them the right path. Be a guide, be a friend and that is what will make you a perfect parent of your teenage kids.