Parenting is a topic discussed by all parents mostly mothers.
Many books have been written, things said and many people have shared their views regarding the same.
But I personally feel that it’s not a formula where in 2+2=4
Parenting styles are different for different people. We are talking about teenage parenting.
Also the same parents may need to behave differently with their children, depending on the emotional temperament of each child.
One always hears parents complain that their kids hardly talk to them, are always in their rooms,browsing the internet, messaging their friends and are constantly over the phone.
Well, this seems to be a universal problem with most of the parents that they find it difficult to deal with their teenage children.
We need to understand that children are growing and cannot be the same they were before.
I mean they have their own problems and worries, which probably they are more comfortable sharing and discussing with their friends.
How much ever parents try to be close and friendly with their kids, there may be a few things which still may not be shared with us and it’s perfectly allright.
How can we just forget the age difference –( generation gap) between our kids and us.
May be the child gets bored of our talks, today specially with families having just one child – with whom will the child talk, there’s no one around his/her age to discuss things which they are probably not comfortable discussing with parents.
Many times children hide certain things, because of fear – as to how will parents react?
They are not sure about parents ideas and thought process.
We need to make an effort to develop a relation of trust with our kids.
They should be confident to talk and tell us if at all they land in trouble, be it issues relating to studies or their relationships.
Let them know, what ever happens we are there for them.
This does not mean that they are allowed to do anything. They should know that certain things are unacceptable.
Make them independent, let them take their own decisions, always encourage them and if they go wrong, do tell them politely.
Many times it’s seen that parents hesitate to accept their mistakes, it’s very important to accept that we are wrong. Let our children know that it’s okay – no one is perfect.
If you feel your child is not vocal about his/her thoughts do not probe him, they will get irritated and further avoid you. Be normal, give them time.
Many times teenagers get confused, do not argue with them – it will create an unpleasant atmosphere in the house.
Today’s young children are living in a world which is full of material things, everyone around is consuming, there is a lot of peer pressure.
Let them know we cannot get everything in life easily, we need to strive for it, work hard.
It’s seen that families rarely discuss finances in front of their children.
I feel – It’s okay,they are smart enough to understand. let them know- what is it? They themselves will understand where to draw the line.
Do not snatch their mobiles and the freedom of using the internet.
They are living in this world of technology, let them use it.
Just make them understand the realities of life, tell them that you are not here to support them financially for life. It’s their life after all.
Children are always learning things from us, so the most important thing is, we ourselves need to do things right. You cannot be watching television the whole day and tell them to study, or browse internet the whole day and give them time limit.
It’s seen that when people become parents for the second time they are better as they have learnt from their earlier mistakes and have of course matured as parents.
As I said earlier, every child is different, one may need more attention while the other may just need encouragement. It’s for the parents to decide as to how should they deal with them in the best possible way.
I personally feel that if we decide to do our best as parents, nothing is impossible and we may not find any problems dealing with our teenage children.