4 Ways To Handle Teenage Rebellion
Parents generally love their kids and will always look out for them no matter where and what they are doing. When their kids are quite small or are babies, then they can be all sweet and cuddly. Even when they go out of line, a stern look or light spanking straightens them up.
This changes very quickly as they grow up. Children become increasingly independent and want to make their own decisions. Things usually come to a head as your child enters the teenage years.
At this point they are forming an identity and developing their personality. Due to the various ways it is expressed, parents are quick to term it rebellion.
Teenage rebellion can involve wild fashion decisions, revolt against authority and a decline in academic performance. All this can send you into a rage as a parent.
You are eager to get your child in line and make them see reason. However this stage of your child’s life requires calmness and reason.
This is because, it can create resentment that will spillover into their adulthood. We explore some ways to get the situation in control.
Work It Out Together
Most teenagers at this point want more autonomy and responsibility. You can give them a sense of responsibility by involving them in the rule making process.
Both of you should agree on rules and the consequences that would follow if they are broken. By including them in the process, they feel obligated to prove themselves.
Find the why
The various acts of rebellion being exhibited by your child are not without reasons. They may result from anxiety over late development, peer pressure or body image issues.
As a parent, you should prepare yourself in advance. Get your hands on resources that explore the teenage mind. Reach out to parents who are dealing with or have weathered the storm.
Give them space
A key part of parenthood is trusting your children to make the right decisions. Give them space to explore this new phase and own their decisions.
However, do not relax discipline and be firm with the agreed rules. Tell them you trust them but there will be consequences if they betray the trust.
Communicate
This is the most important time to keep the lines of communication open. The brave front put up by your teenager covers a lot of anxiety.
Put yourself in their shoes and recall your self doubt and uncertainty at that stage of your life. They are facing decisions over issues like sex,alcohol and drugs.
Get ahead of peer pressure by opening up non judgmental discussions. Let your child feel free to bring any issue to you.
A key part of communication is mutual respect. Don’t turn your children off by shouting them down or yelling.
If you handle this phase well, you can be sure to sit back and smile at well behaved young adults in future
