| Teenage parenting is fraught with various teenage | | | | few options that they may not have thought of by |
| behaviour problems, which can prove to be very | | | | asking questions. Hold your tongue just before you're |
| challenging. Even if these problems are not very | | | | ready to say, "I think you should..." If the outcome of a |
| serious, parents can often get flustered dealing with | | | | particular decision made by your teen was not as |
| issues that they have never faced in the past. Most | | | | expected, do talk to your teen about what happened. |
| parents are confused about the level of freedom they | | | | Discuss what they might do differently the next time |
| are giving their teenagers; whether they are doing | | | | and do not be judgmental. Give your teen positive |
| enough; whether their parenting style is good enough. | | | | feedback and tell them that you are proud that they |
| They fear about leaving the reins too lose and at the | | | | took on this challenging situation. |
| same time being too strict. Below are some tips that | | | | Nip disruptive behaviour in bud: Try to spot changes in |
| can help you in these testing times: | | | | mood and behaviour at home and at school for signs |
| Be firm but forgiving: Seek their cooperation to follow | | | | of possible disruptive behaviour. With these clues, |
| rules around the house. Be firm when required and | | | | engage in discussions if possible, or simply let them |
| don't give in to your teen's tantrums. At the same time | | | | know you are there and available if they need you. |
| remember to forgive your teenager. That is often a | | | | Fund solutions to problems they are facing. Once the |
| hard thing to do when parenting adolescents; especially | | | | reason is clearly defined, finding a solution becomes |
| if you are facing teenage behaviour problems, but | | | | easier. Finally, the source of most teenage behaviour |
| remember they are just learning. | | | | problems is stress. Therefore you will need to find |
| Recognise that every child is different: The worst thing | | | | ways to help deal with that stress. Give opportunities |
| any parent can do is compare siblings or children of | | | | to your teenager to get involved in some activities like |
| friends. This will only breed further teenage behaviour | | | | sports or exercising etc. |
| problems. You need to recognise if there is genuinely a | | | | In the book "Solving Teenage Problems", more tips |
| problem with your teenager and find ways to help | | | | have been provided to deal with teenage behaviour |
| them solve their problems independently, and not use | | | | problems and all other problems that stem from |
| their elder sisters/brothers or some friend as a | | | | teenage depression or stress. Several models have |
| benchmark. | | | | also been provided to structure an effective and |
| Allow them to be: Let your teen take over decisions | | | | fruitful discussion with your teen. Helping your teenager |
| that you have been making for them till now. In the | | | | out to navigate through this difficult phase of their life is |
| case of disagreements, verbally spell out the conflict | | | | very crucial to make them a responsible and confident |
| and end with a question: "What do you think you could | | | | adult. |
| do?" or "What are your options?" Help your teen list a | | | | |