With the growing use of technology and the modern era itself, teenage parenting has now become a more demanding and challenging task.
Since teenage years bring huge changes in the behavior and personality of children, parents become more austere towards them. This change in attitude is sensed by the children. One must understand that being a stern parent will not bring any good. Maintaining strictness towards them may not always be fruitful. Some teenagers might become obedient while chances are the majority of them would turn rebellious.
Therefore, during teenage parenting parents must avoid making these mistakes;
- Invading their privacy
As your children grow, try to respect their privacy. Avoid peeking into their lives and bombarding them with questions every now and then as in:
Where are you going?
Who were you talking to?
Who is this friend of yours?
It’s always good to keep a check on your children, but don’t make it too obvious.
- Punishing them harshly for their mistakes
Teenagers may make mistakes, some big others small. Try to forgive them and through a softer tone make them understand their mistakes. Have a calm conversation.
- Not listening to the children
It is quite imperative to understand that your child wants a friend in you more than a parent so being stern always is not a wise idea. Try to be supportive like a friend, listen to them, make them feel comfortable in sharing their feelings with you. Talk about emotional stuff.
- Over pressurizing them to get good grades
Some parents consider grades to be a matter of life and death. It is important to encourage and motivate your children to get good grades but avoid putting immense pressure on them. If they are unable to get good grades, it is your duty as a parent to help them, sort out their issues and problems instead of criticizing them.
- Being over protective
One of the biggest mistakes during teenage parenting is to be overprotective of your child and always being there for their rescue. This will make them incompetent. They won’t develop confidence and their own skills to move forward.
- Comparing them with their fellows
Parents must understand to accept their children for who they are. It is not healthy to compare them with either their friends, classmates or your friend’s children. Everyone is different, and that’s the diversity of life. Try to deal with them for who they are and mould your own parenting style according to their personality.