| Parents who have been through it will often remark | | | | comes the desire to experiment - a universal |
| about the difficulties and frustrations of the "terrible | | | | teenaged right of passage. The challenge of parenting |
| twos" - a time in which toddlers set about finding and | | | | teenagers is bridging the gap between allowing your |
| asserting their own individuality and independence. It | | | | children enough space to be who they need/want to |
| can be an enormously demanding time for parents | | | | be at that particular moment while still establishing |
| who - up until then - had complete control over the | | | | enough boundaries to keep them safe. It can be a |
| activities of their child. Suddenly, they are thrust into a | | | | difficult line to walk. |
| world where their word is challenged and their once | | | | The challenge of parenting teenagers also means |
| complacent child has been replaced with an | | | | avoiding the temptation of wanting to be your child's |
| unpredictable person who knows their own mind and | | | | friend. Teenagers don't need any more friends - they |
| isn't afraid to say so. | | | | need parents who set boundaries. It's hard to be |
| But what few will tell you as you go through this | | | | unpopular and to make unpopular decisions but it's a |
| frustrating time is that it's just the beginning. That these | | | | part of being a responsible parent. |
| small toddler tantrums that seem so earth-shattering at | | | | Support your children with understanding, unwavering |
| the time are merely the appetizers to a much larger | | | | love, and a positive outlook on life. Many teenagers - |
| feeding frenzy. Because the challenge of parenting | | | | immersed in their own world of difficulties and drama - |
| teenagers is still to come and - little do you know - | | | | will often have trouble imagining a life beyond these |
| you'll soon wish for these times of innocence and | | | | turbulent years. You, as their parent, must act as their |
| toddler tenacity. | | | | guide to adulthood. |
| Parenting children of any age carries with it its own set | | | | The challenge of parenting teenagers includes a |
| of challenges. But the challenge of parenting teenagers | | | | myriad of things that can be predicted and just as |
| brings unique demands. With teenagers, parenting is | | | | many that can't. The challenge really lies in how you |
| complicated because you are trying to administer | | | | approach this difficult time in your life. With open |
| guidance and support to someone who has developed | | | | communication and a world of patience, the challenge |
| their own specific opinions about life. | | | | of parenting teenagers can also be filled with rewards. |
| Along with these newly developed views on the world | | | | |