: Tips for how Parents can Love and Support their Teen
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(458 Words)
It is important for parents to show their teens that they love and support them. The following are some strategies to employ.
Tell them
First you want to tell your children that you love them. You may think that your feelings are obvious, but some teens are very confused and might really not know for sure that their parents love them. Make sure that you tell them them often, even if you are only rewarded with a barrage or “oh, moooom.” You want them to understand that your love is unconditional. Also make sure that you tell them that you support their decisions in life (as long as they are not destructive obviously). It can be difficult when they make decisions that you wish they hadn’t, but at some point you have to understand that they are growing and will have to carve their own path.
Show them
Even though your teens are older, that doesn’t mean that they still couldn’t use a hug from mom or dad. Give them a kiss on their cheeks. Hold them when they have a nightmare. Let her cry on your shoulder when her first boyfriend turns out not to be the love of her life as she had imagined. Be emotionally available to them.
Listen
It is important to listen to your children. Let them vent to you. Let them say whatever they want to. Tell them to come to you if they are in trouble. No matter what happens let them know that they can and should call you.
Show support for their different activities
If your child is on a sports team then go to their games and cheer with the best of them. Go to their recitals. No matter if you do not understand what they choose to do, show them that you still think it is important because it is important to them.
Do special things for your teens
Make their favorite meal. Stay with them when they are sick. Drive them to that extra practice. Be welcoming to their friends. Show them that you care enough to go this extra distance.
Spend quality time with your children
No matter what you say to your kids, they may have trouble believing that you support them if you never make time for them. Make some good time for you to spend together. Eat family dinners. Take them somewhere special for just the two of you. Play a board game. No matter what else you have going on, let them know that you think they are a priority.
You want your children to know that you love and support them, even if you have your differences. Consider the above strategies to help you give this message to your children.
Updated On: 08/04/2010 Published On: 08/04/2010 Article ViewerClose
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