Raising a teenager is not easy. Remember yourself as a teenager. Now look at your teenage son. There are so many differences in how the two generations are raised and how society influences them now. The issues weren’t simple even a decade ago, when parents’ primary concerns were their teen’s curves and puberty. The pressure to grow up is completely different now and much more complicated.
Keep in mind that there is a difference between being a disciplined parent who is a good role model and a parent who is the teen’s best friend. Sure, all parents want to be friends with their children, but parents need to keep in mind that they are the responsible adults in this relationship.
Today’s teens are faced with not only bending over and going through puberty, but now there are pressures to use drugs and alcohol, have premarital sex, and look and act a certain way. A teenager wants so badly to fit in with her peers that they often give in to their morals to go along with the crowd. Certain limits and ground rules must be instilled in your teenager so that he can resist the temptations he faces.
Unfortunately, by the age of 13, people who are still children are becoming parents, addicts, and have body dysphoria issues that can lead to eating disorders or other bodily obsessions. These are problems that can be conquered, however it is better to avoid them or educate your teen about these issues. Some parents may think that if they ignore it, it will just go away. That is not true. It’s important for your teen to be aware of their decisions and their long-term effects.
As a teenager, sometimes self-esteem can be low. They are going through changes they don’t understand in preparation for eventually becoming productive citizens once they turn 18. They are also at a stage where their parents don’t know anything. Being understanding and receptive to their problems or questions is very effective in reading and questioning them only makes them want to rebel. They will thank you one day.
Once your son becomes a teenager, he begins to look for ways to be more independent, almost to emancipate himself from his parents’ death grips. It’s natural as a parent, no matter how old your child is, to worry, but as long as you encourage them to live life positively through hobbies, studies, or other school activities, you’ll help them find themselves at a point where they start to question their own identity. Encourage them to try new things, spend time with them, do things with them to help ensure a healthy level of self-esteem, and surround themselves with wonderful friends.
Although these challenges can become overwhelming, the best way to overcome them is to love them in the best way you know how. Take into account, for example, how you were growing up, being a teenager is just a phase.