3 Effective Ways To Deal With Teenagers + How To Strengthen The Bond

Lakeisha E
June 27, 2021

Teenagers can be a handful and they may feel like they are also drifting further and further away. It can be overwhelming to see your child behave in new and unfamiliar ways, and you may not know how to handle this at first.

But don’t worry, you can navigate these troubled parenting years with positive thinking And understanding! Here are three practical ways to deal with teens and three ways to strengthen the bond they share.

Three effective ways to deal with teens

Try these techniques when dealing with a hormone-ridden teenager.

1. Enforce rules and limits in a positive way

Teens like their privacy, but you still need to take care of them. This does not mean that you should be disrespectful of their need for space, but you should be aware of specific actions and behaviors that indicate problems may arise. Take note of behaviors like hiding things, lying, behaving in unusual ways, dating the wrong people, becoming more withdrawn, and other notable actions. It is not uncommon for teenagers to also act as a form of seeking care for deeper issues, so pay attention and stay alert.

Emphasize trust over suspicion

When you have concerns about problem behavior, it is a good idea to bring them up. When you do, focus on your confidence in your teen over any suspicions you have. Explain that you have concerns but want to trust their judgment and emphasize the need to set limits regarding the new problem activity. Show that you want to trust them first, and encourage them to open up by asking genuine questions rather than making their assumptions.

Treat the threats of a crisis seriously

If your teen talks about harmful behaviors or threatens to do something dangerous, take it seriously. Too often, parents roll their eyes and think that teens “misbehave” to get attention. But even if that were the case, a teenager faking something to get attention still needs attention. Take crises seriously and don’t think twice about taking action or seeking help from professionals if your teen talks about hurting himself or others.

3. Don’t compromise your position as a parent.

Parents often make the mistake of trying to be friends with their teens, but that’s not what a child really needs! You are a parent in a position of authority and exercising that power wisely is crucial to dealing with teens effectively. That is how:

Manage conflicts intelligently

It’s hard being a parent to a particularly intense teenager! But it is your responsibility to handle conflicts with your teen as a parent and an adult would. Don’t lower yourself to your teen’s level, even if he’s behaving negatively. Express empathy for your child’s situation, stay calm with positive thinking and seek to choose your battles wisely. Remember, you are not on an equal footing here: you are an adult and a parent, and your teen is growing, developing, and learning. They will make mistakes and they will be unfair, and you will have to be the “greatest person” – that is exactly what it means to be a parent!

Take charge of rethinking

It is the role of parents to guide their children, and if your teenager has developed a negative worldview, you can help them rethink it. Shift your perspective and turn your attention to the positive sides of a situation. Remind your teen to those around him that his actions affect him. The better you are modeling positive by rephrasing, the more quickly your child will follow suit.

Don’t give up your power

Difficult teens may intentionally try to get you up in a “power move.” Don’t let them push your buttons! Stay calm and rational and, if necessary, take a break. Stop pressing any button with a firm but reasonable correction, reaffirming your place as an authority figure.

Three ways to strengthen your bond with teens

Your teenager is going to have his friends, and you may not like all of them. But the best way to get to know these friends and learn more about the dynamics of your teen’s friendship is to let their friends into your home. Make a space in your house where everyone can hang out, preferably in an open area where you can walk quietly and keep an eye on them.

Supporting interests

Your teen likely has a ton of personal interests, and you should support them where you can! If you like to dance, pay for the lessons. If you like the theater, be sure to go see their shows. Or if they prefer sports, sign them up for related clubs and training sessions.

Remember that respect goes both ways

It is normal for parents to expect respect from their children, but their children also deserve their respect. It is a two-way street. Your teenager should be treated with kindness, patience, respect, and empathy, so don’t insult, belittle, or ignore him.

2. Keep the lines open

Teens tend to withdraw, but if you keep the lines open, you can avoid that. That is how:

Use effective communication

You want to make sure that positive communication it is part of your relationship with your adolescent. Keep the lines of communication open and be polite and non-judgmental, so your teens always feel comfortable approaching you with questions or advice. If your teen doesn’t talk much, you can write notes, send text messages, or use other forms of communication.

Be empathetic

Your adolescent wants to feel understood and you must develop the necessary empathy for this. Rather than automatically assuming the worst, listen carefully to your teen, express your understanding of what he is facing, and focus less on fixing things or berating him. Support them, validate their thoughts, struggles, and experiences, and don’t judge them by what they feel and their questions.

· Be available

Being available as a parent gives your teen the support they need to positive effects on their performance and personal well-being and self-esteem. Be available to your children of all ages and keep them top priority over your other non-family commitments.

3. Allow desires for independence

It is natural for teenagers to want to be independent. You can’t completely take the reins out of them, but you need to find a balance that allows teens to explore their desires for such intelligence. That is how:

Be flexible with freedom

Adolescents are in an exploratory phase of their lives. They want to experience independence and learn to be responsible, and you can help facilitate this by being flexible with your freedoms. The goal is to teach your teenager that his personal decisions determine the results he faces. You are free to extend and retract the levels of freedom for your teen, as long as you communicate why you are doing so in a positive way.

Give them the opportunity to solve problems

It’s tempting to want to step in and take care of teens, solving their problems for them, but you need to give your kids a chance to figure things out for themselves. Once you’ve listened and shown empathy, encourage your teen to independently find solutions. Of course, you are always available to offer help, but you must make it clear that you want your teen to solve their problems, face their consequences, and move on.

Treat them like a teenager, not a child

While you shouldn’t treat a teenager like an adult, you shouldn’t treat him like a child. Although he can always be a baby in your eyes, your teenager has grown from that stage. Remember to treat them like teenagers rather than children, and this will give you more perspective on how much independence they should have done it at this stage in their life.

Final thoughts on some ways to deal with teens and ways to bond