Troubled Teen Parenting Tips
Are you looking for parenting tips when it comes to your troubled teen? Although there are no easy solutions for parenting teens, we can offer a few parenting tips that may help. Getting your troubled teens to embrace the values, lifestyle and even religious beliefs you hold dear and would like them to share is difficult. It's all too obvious that the strict, unyielding, disciplinarian approach is likely to backfire and do more to fuel the fire of teen rebellion than inspire willing compliance. No two situations are alike and it becomes especially tricky when a parent is dealing with a troubled teenager who may already be showing signs of problem behavior. We hope you find the following parenting tips to be helpful.
Parenting Tip #1 - Lead by Example: When I think of parenting teens (especially troubled teens) I believe in the following three parenting tips: 1. Be an example, 2. Be an example and 3. (you guessed it) Be an example. Teens have keen radars for the detection of double standards - so be ever mindful that you're constantly under surveillance. Make sure your own actions are in line with the values and standards you expect your teens to live up to. Your teens will notice and respond by honoring the things you exemplify. A teen (particularly teens facing troubling issues) need a solid example in their life.
Parenting Tip #2 - Encourage Responsibility: Older teens would like to believe they're grown up and ready to strike out as independent adults. Regardless of how foolish this may appear to you, an important parenting tip is to allow them space to spread their wings. Treat them and speak to them more maturely as well as give them more responsibility. However, keep the rules of your home clear and consistent.
Parenting Tip #3 - Real Communication: Dealing with a troublesome, troubling or troubled teenager is one of the great challenges of parenthood. They come and go, ignore house rules, talk to you when and if THEY want to. To top it off when you go in search of parenting tips to help in dealing with your troubled teen (whether it be Dr. Phil, friends or Google) you'll read that the solution to parenting teens is communication. Are they kidding? You could get more information talking to your houseplants than your troubled teenager.
The best way to start a conversation with your troubled teenager is by listening. Keep in mind that teens are constantly being "talked at" and told what to do by teachers, coaches, counselors, bosses, friends, teammates and boy/girlfriends. Rather than adding your voice to the chorus of demands, commands and reprimands, work at making your time with your troubled teen a time when they have the floor. Invite their input and ask their opinion. You know what music, movies and other interest they have. So invent a scenario where you need their advice. "I could use some advice and this is right up your alley." What kid isn't going to take the bait? You can find common ground and use it as a foundation to build upon. Chances are the music you liked when you were their age influenced the bands they enjoy now. Above all, by listening to your troubled teen, you're setting the example you want them to follow. Listening and showing them that you value their opinion and input shows them that you respect them.
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