Teenage is one of the most severe phases of our lives. The age between
13 and 19 is the time of puberty, periods, “serious relationships” and what
not. It’s the time of middle and high schools, where most of the kids get
bullied badly – Real bad! Teenage is also the time of endless expectations from
parents where they point out how good that neighbour’s daughter or son is and
why we don’t try hard enough to be like them. To summarize it all, the period
of teen years has loads of ups and downs, but if dealt with properly, it can
turn out to be one hell of a ride.
Here’s how to team
in your teenager as a part of the family:
• Communication is probably one of the best ways to bond with your teen.
Understand when your teen needs you. Talk to them regularly. Ask them about
their day. Always incorporate a friendly tone in the conversation.
Communication should never be one sided. Speak to them about your experiences
of the day. Automatically, your child will become freer with you.
• Instead of reprimanding, try to support them during break-ups, bad
school reports and bitter quarrels with friends. After they have stabilized a
bit, let them know your views on the situation and how you would have dealt
with it.
• Never keep on lecturing your teenager. Advisers are always welcome,
but you should never stick to them because everyone needs space. Learn to
respect their privacy. It’s understandable if you love them and are concerned –
but that’s no reason to pounce on them every time they make a small mistake.
Sometimes, caring about someone is all about letting them go.
• Accept them as they are. Teenage is the time when your kids suffer
from immense insecurities. If your teen shows an inclination towards a particular
field, you should support and encourage them. If they see you believing in
them, it will boost their confidence, and they will start having faith in
themselves.
• A healthy relationship between you and your spouse or any other member
of your family is vital. Teenage is a crucial time because your child gradually
transcends into adulthood. If they see you cursing someone all the time, it can
turn them into depressed individuals as they grow up.
• Taking vacations that include your teen and your entire family is
equally important to bond with them. Holidays give you plenty of time for
communication; spending time doing something that both of you or the whole
family loves. It allows you to find out unknown facts about your teen child
which you never had any idea about.
• If your child is an introvert, try to bond with them over things that
they like doing. For example, you can bond over video games, piano, violin or
dance lessons, yoga sessions, books, movies, food. It’s all about setting aside
some quality time for your kids.
• Engage them in family activities like cooking dinner, making comfort
food, doing laundry and holding activities like talking sessions where everyone
in the family talks about their experiences of the day. That way, your child is
included as a part of the household and becomes more comfortable around you.
Teenage is a hard time for everyone. But don’t worry, because even Harry
Potter couldn’t be the ideal dad. But, it is all about improving. And who can
help, if not the internet?
To know more about how to team in your teenager, understand your
teenager and their emotional needs.
