Troubled Teen Issues

Parenting teenagers is one of the most challenging parts of parenting, especially if your teen is rebellious or out of control. Learning to parent struggling teens will help you and your troubled teen. Keep reading for tips on parenting teenagers.

One of the biggest challenges in parenting is caring for teenagers. This is because the teen years are filled with trials and changes. Teenagers are confused, frustrated and trying to learn who they are. A teenager is trying to figure out what to do with a developing body and mind, how to deal the social stresses attached to the teen years, and looking forward with anxiety to the future. There is a lot that goes on during the teen years, and your parenting style can make the difference between a teenager that ends up well-adjusted and one that is troubled.

Of course, in the end, no matter what you do, your teenager still makes his or her own decisions. You can only do your best, show your love, and hope that your teenager makes good choices. Here are some tips for parenting teenagers:

1. Discuss decisions with your teen: It is a good idea to discuss decisions with your teenagers. Take suggestions on what they think represents a reasonable curfew. Talk about car and computer privileges, and discuss reasonable consequences. Be willing to compromise when parenting teenagers. As you lay down ground rules for different activities and behavior. Decide together about consequences for breaking the rules. Your teen will be more likely to comply with the rules that they help make.
2. Follow through on consequences: Many parents have found success in making behavior contracts with their teenagers. It outlines privileges, curfews, appropriate behavior and activities. It also describes consequences for breaking the rules. Teenagers should be held to the consequences described, and you should not cave in to complaining or wheedling. Stick to the consequences and enforce them. Parenting teenagers (or any child, for that matter) is about showing consistency, and making your expectations clear.
3. Listen: One of the most important things you can do is to listen to your teenager. Parenting teenagers is about taking time to just listen, and not lecture or interrupt. You should learn the value of being someone your teenager trusts to talk to without judgment. Offer advice when asked, and try to remain calm, even when you would like to interrupt and begin yelling. If the problem is involves breaking a rule, make sure you calmly remind him or her of the consequence, and then enforce it. But try to avoid a fight, and try to avoid long lectures. Also, show an interest in your teenager, and be involved in what he or she is doing. Attend recitals and sporting events, and ask about your teen’s friends.
4. Communicate your standards and expectations: You should also make sure that your teenager understands your standards and expectations. As uncomfortable as it may be, you need to talk to your children about teen sex, safe sex, drugs and teen alcohol abuse. Studies show that teens whose parents who are open about the teen issues, and communicate their expectations about avoiding substance abuse and unsafe sex, are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
5. Invite teens to participate in family activities: Make sure that your teenager is made to feel a part of the family. It is important that your teenager spend quality time with your family, and feels part of the family. Parenting teenagers involves making rules stipulating that teens engage with your family. This can be going on family outings, and include dinner together at the end of the day. Teenagers who feel part of the family, and whose parents are involved in their lives, are less likely to be troubled.

Parenting teenagers can be difficult. There is a lot going on, and it requires a great deal of patience. You will also have to be consistent. You may be tempted, especially when you are tired, to give in to demands or to back off on consequences. It is important that you remain consistent, showing your teen love and concern, while enforcing the rules.