Parenting Fear – Teens

October 24th, 2012   •   Comments Off on Parenting Fear – Teens   

Teenagers want the freedom of being an adult when they’re not actually adults. They’re still teens.

Since this is terrifying, parents of teens are often afraid!

Fear illustrates that you care. You’re a great parent.

  • Relax.
  • The various identities teens try on may scare the crap out of you. It’s scaring the crap out of them too!
  • Pushing against limits is what teens do; this is not the finished product of adulthood.
  • No matter how stupidly they act, don’t state the obvious.  It’s really hard; model self-control.
  • While they’re pulling away, give the respect that an adult wants, and the love a child needs.
  • Communicate concern and your commitment to love without condition. Repeat as needed.

A parent’s role is to communicate love; a child’s role is to grow. Love provides security while they do.

Children love you, but you won’t always feel it, especially from teens! Kids can’t help but love their parents, regardless of what they say and do. It is not a child’s job to make a parent feel loved or secure; that’s the role of a parent.

Be the grown-up while they grow up.