Helping Your Child Navigate Through Adolescence
This article was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
There are many ways you can help your children meet milestones, as a parent. When it comes to them maturing into adolescence, this is also true. This article will explain a few different tips to consider, which may help you navigate your child through their adolescent years.
Adolescence
The term adolescence refers to the time in a young person’s life, where they are experiencing puberty and becoming a teenager. Some people consider it the end of their childhood phase as they begin their journey to becoming an adult.
You can learn additional details online about adolescence and changes that take place at this time.
Helping Your Child
You likely want to be an ally to your child as they are growing up and maturing. Chances are that you have experienced adolescence yourself, so you are aware of some of the changes that will take place and how awkward they might make you feel. This is why you may want to try your best to aid them through this time in their lives. Here’s a few ways that might help.
Keep an Open Dialogue
One of the best ways that you may be able to assist your child through the process of growing up is to talk to them. When they know that they can count on you if they have a problem or issue that they need to discuss, this gives you the chance to provide them with the best advice possible.
Not only have you experienced some of what they are going through, but you can also make sure that you read up on this stage of life, so you will have as much information as possible to share with them. If you don’t feel comfortable discussing the physical changes that take place, you can opt to purchase your teen books or find articles for them to read which may be able to explain these things.
Update Your Expectations
If your household has always had a set of rules and expectations that your little ones were supposed to abide by, this is something that doesn’t need to change. However, it may need to be updated. As your children grow up, they may need a bit more independence and leeway. For instance, you will likely have to update their chores, bedtimes, and the things that they are allowed to do. Keep in mind that if you and your children are able to talk and remain honest with one another, these changes can be discussed and adjusted, when you determine what works and what doesn’t.
Let Them Have Their Own Activities
Again, as your kids become teenagers, you will need to provide them with a bit of independence. This may mean that they will want to hang out with friends more, stay out later, or even go on dates. Together you can determine what is acceptable and agree upon the rules governing these issues.
It is important to note that teens that are able to express themselves and have their own activities may have healthy self-esteem and self-worth.
Notice Behavior Shifts
Something that you should always pay attention to during adolescence is abrupt behavior shifts. While growing up can cause your children to act differently, if they stop doing things that they like overnight, or have fractured long-time friendships, there may be something else going on.
In some cases, an adolescent’s behavior could signal that they are experiencing a mental health condition. If you suspect this is the case, consider having them checked out as soon as you notice these changes in how they are acting.
Be as Supportive as Possible
As your kids are growing, learning, and going through adolescence, it is possible that they will make mistakes or do things that you don’t like. Keep in mind that you should be as supportive as possible, in all instances. At times, it can be a learning experience when children are able to learn from their mistakes.
In other words, it is okay to let them mess up every now and then. Once they do, you can assist them in understanding how they can do better next time.
Conclusion
Adolescence can be a tumultuous time for anyone going through it, so it may be beneficial to have parents to count on during the process. If you want to help your child navigate the process, you can keep an open dialogue, let them make their own mistakes, and visit a therapist when you think this is necessary. Together, these tips might be able to ease your teens through this time in their development.
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