Do you feel like your teenagers hate you? You are probably not wrong. Their only problem with you is your existence(pun intended). Being a parent is hard, and things become even harder when your kids have tip-toed to their teenage years. Times might come when you and your kids go without talking for days, but you have to be the bigger person and understand that they are trying to discover themselves and, in the meantime, dealing with a lot of pressure.
In this article:
1. Listen Carefully
Try to make advancements in your kid’s life by talking to them. Do not be too persuasive, or they will think you are invading their personal space. Listen to whatever they are saying, and be satisfied with whatever information you get. Asking them a lot of questions is not something you must do with your teens.
2. Value Their Feelings
You must have gone through the same phase when you were a teen. The sudden sadness, confusion and overwhelming feeling you start having as soon as you hit puberty. The same is going o in their life. If they are open enough to admit they are uncomfortable or unhappy, try to understand them.
Often parents dismiss their kids by saying that it’s a phase or sleep over it. But to get closer and maintain good communication, make them feel important.
3. Do Not Dominate
When your kids are teens, you must consider that their opinion is as much important as yours. Ordering themes, setting rules, or dictating them will worsen your relationship. Understand that they might be kids, but they are gradually becoming adults.
4. Praise Them
Children and adults both have a special place in the heart for a little bit of praise. Do you feel if you are being praised at the office, your day is made? The same goes for your kids. Praise them for the little things that they do and contribute to the family. It will boost their confidence, and they will come in close terms with you.
5. Spend Time Together
Make a rule in the house to have at least one meal together, preferably dinner. No matter how busy or tired you are, spending an hour with your family daily is a mandatory business. This time spent together will keep your family closely knitted. Further, you will teach your kids the value of family and time spent together.
Apart from daily meals, ask your kids out for movies, play days and plan weekend trips together. For better results, ask them to make them in charge of planning activities.
6. Be Observant
As your kids are slowly adulting, you will notice many changes in them. Be observant of their changes. If you see that they are staying isolated, it is time that you face-tie each other. Ensure that you hear their part of the story before making any assumptions. It will ensure that things are good between you.
