Although nothing really prepares you for parenting, it doesn't mean that is it....😂
Let's start from the beginning.
1st, Nobody teaches you about how your child develops or what you need to do to make sure they develop well.
Then everybody talks about how tricky it is to parent a teenager, but nobody shows you how to make it easier either.
Everyone stumbles along, some families are lucky to have teenagers that don't rebel, some families struggle with their teens to the point that their families are at breaking point or in crisis.
Although we have all been teenagers ourselves, it is a complete different story when it comes to parenting teenagers. Why?
Your roles and responsibilities changed.
Your perspectives changed.
You stopped thinking like a teenager. However, there's something here that every parent can leverage.
Think like a teenager, think about their needs and wants.
Then think like a parent, how you can support them with their needs and wants within your boundaries and values.
When you are able to perspective taking, and be in their shoes, your parenting strategies change accordingly. They also become more effective.
For example:
Your teen says no I don't want to go to school - don't go straight in to say " no, you need to go to school". think about their perspectives, is it possible they are struggling in school that we are not aware of? then find out what it is that makes them not want to go to school. In doing so, you can better understand your teens thoughts, and feelings which will help you problem solve with your teens and help them feel understood and heard.
Warmly
Pei-I, Parenting and Teen challenging behaviour specialist @ Rainbow Parenting Practice
P.S. I empower high-achieving mums to help their troubled teens who get stuck in patterns of challenging behaviour with ease, success and have a harmonious family life in 90 days using TTP Method. The quickest, most effective and most impactful method to strengthen your family connections and change your family story.
Start with your Raising Thriving Teens 5 Day Mini Taste? Book here
Until then, Remember
🌈There’s always hope, endless hope