| Teenage rebellion: one of the certainties about | | | | particular behavior, try and have a general discussion, |
| parenting adolescents. The stage when children start | | | | and ask them questions that will lead them to think |
| to become adults is one where their whole frame of | | | | things through for themselves. |
| reference about the world changes. There are new | | | | Forgive your teenager. That is often a hard thing to do |
| rules for them to follow, new sources of power and | | | | when parenting adolescents, but remember they are |
| influence in their lives, and they have to learn their | | | | just learning. Be fair, but firm. If they do or say |
| place in the world. A vital part of successful teenage | | | | something that you wouldn't find acceptable from an |
| parenting is helping your child learn their boundaries. | | | | adult, tell them. They may not know that their |
| One thing that should happen when parenting | | | | behaviour is unacceptable. Give them a chance to |
| adolescents is that you should question your initial | | | | apologize and modify their behaviour before taking |
| reactions to what your teen does. If your daughter | | | | action. This is a key thing to remember with teenage |
| dyes her hair blue or your son starts wearing make up, | | | | parenting. If they do it again, then either ignore if |
| you may want to confront them, but remember that | | | | possible, or take appropriate action if it affects other |
| they aren't hurting anyone. They will stop once they | | | | people in a negative way. |
| feel foolish, or fashion changes. Besides, does it really | | | | Teenage parenting can be stressful but can also be |
| matter what your teenager looks like on the outside if | | | | so much fun. You have a new adult in your life who |
| they are a good person inside? This is a vital thing to | | | | can do things your children couldn't. They are bound to |
| remember with teenage parenting. | | | | test the boundaries and see what they can and can't |
| The key tactic to be aware of when parenting | | | | do, and that is something that almost everyone |
| adolescents, once you have realized that your teen's | | | | parenting adolescents needs to cope with. If you are |
| actions aren't harming anyone, is to avoid confrontation. | | | | seriously worried about your teen's behaviour though, |
| Your teen will probably argue back, making things | | | | and there are indications that they could be harming |
| worse for all of you, and testing how far they can | | | | themselves or others, then please do not be worried |
| push. Try and remain calm and patient in all aspects of | | | | about seeking professional help. |
| teenage parenting. Don't have a discussion about a | | | | |