Trust – The Key To Better Parenting During Their Teen Years

The moment your child turns into their teen years, there is a bitter sweet feeling among parents. There is a mixture of fear and excitement because as a parent you know the many crisis teens are going through.

This is the time of exploration and experimentation and you fear that they may experiment on sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll.

Your teen is no longer a child nor an adult. They can be too friendly, too charming, and too trusting. And the trusting part is what you fear most. Be careful, you could turn to be the paranoid parent.

How to become a better parent in their teen years? 

This parenting advice is solely from the opinion of a parent who have gone through the same fears and excitement that you are in now. Warning: it is not easy to be the parent you are supposed to be at this time of years. But put yourself together because it will be a journey that’s worth it.

Trust your child

Ease your worries. You can’t be paranoid all the time, the same word you fear is the same word you lack- Trust. You need to trust your child if you want them to grow up like a normal teen in school. Trust their choice of friend, trust their decision, trust their plans. You are there to guide not to mandate, not to stalk, and not to judge.

Be the best friend

Be ready to listen when they need someone to talk to. Be the shoulder to cry on when they had a bad day in school. Be happy when they are happy. Be open, communicate, earn their trust, and be the best friend they need.

Be sensitive

Sometimes your teen will not come to you openly. If this is the case, reach out. Have a private moment with them. You can invite them out for coffee or shopping. Find out what’s wrong you feel there’s a cloud over their head. If you think your teen is hanging out with the wrong peer group, let them know in a subtle and friendly way.

Teen Addiction: Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Be keen and observant

There’s nothing more hurting than being the last person to know when your child is in trouble with drugs and alcohol. So before it’s too late, know the signs of alcohol and drug use among teens. If your suspicions hold true, seek professional help. Your teen needs you most at this time.

Be calm, keep the communication

Don’t panic. No need to bring your teenage son or daughter to a drug rehab in Florida immediately. You have to know the extent of drug use. Communication is most important at this time.

How do theycommunicate? Are there significant changes in the way they behave? How do they communicate with, with other adults, with their peers? If all the signs point out to positive drug use, then you have to confirm your suspicions through drug testing. Talk to a medical professional regarding their emotional and mental health.

The teen years are the most challenging among parents. You are not alone, there are people around you who are concerned and willing to help. Continue to reach out to your child, after all you are all they’ve got at this time of crisis.