Parenting Teenagers: Tips On Starting High School
Aurelia Williams
Teenagers all over the world will take the leap from child to
young adult this fall. They will be entering High School for
the first time. This milestone brings a variety of feelings and
emotions. They are beginning four of the most difficult, yet
most memorable years of their life. If you think you are
anxious and scared, try being your teen.
Here are a few Parenting Teenager tips on how to make the best
of this stressful and confusing time in your teenager’s life.
Be Open and Understanding
Realize that your teen is going to be stressed and irritable
for the first few weeks of their freshman year. There are many
things that can contribute to your teen’s moodiness or
withdrawn state. They are experiencing numerous changes in
their life; all at the same time. Just like when you are pushed
to your max with stress, your teen may experience headaches,
stomachaches, or sleepiness. They need time and space to figure
it all out in their own mind. Be patient and give them the time
they need to sort things out for themselves.
Be Available and Reassuring
They may be young adults with a need to start making more
decisions on their own and taking on more responsibility, but
that doesn’t mean that they are full blown adults with minds
that can handle all the stress and pressure of taking on those
tasks. Reassure them that you are there when they need you and
also how to “back off” when necessary so they can figure things
out for themselves.
Your teenager is just that, a teen. You need to let them know
that you trust them to make their own decisions. Let them know
that you are always there should they get stuck and need a
helping hand from someone they trust. Show them in ways other
than saying things such as, “I’m here if you want to talk.”
It’s not always easy for a teenager to start up a serious
conversation, especially with Mom or Dad. There are times when
you need to get creative. Depending on your teen that may mean
writing a letter or taking them shopping and talking about
what’s going on in their life while driving.
Be Supportive and Loving
Your teenager is no longer the ‘big dog’, but instead a
‘newbie’. Teenagers need to know that Mom and/or Dad support
their decisions. They may have a difficult time fitting in;
therefore, the need to try new things is necessary and helps
them to figure out who they are. As long as the activity is not
detrimental to them or anyone else, let them try a new sport,
club, or other extracurricular hobby.
Support them in their decision, even if you know in the long
run they will not participate next year. Give them the
opportunity to find out for themselves if they enjoy certain
activities. Remind them that family is something that will
always be there. They are moving away from you as a parent but
not disconnecting with the family completely and that’s ok.
Set Routines and Limits
Yes, they may be growing up, but they aren’t adults yet. Even
teenagers need routines and limits. It will help to make the
transition to high school easier on both of you if make limits
together before the first week of school. Sit down and tell
your child what your expectations are and really listen to
their expectations of you as well. Settle on certain guidelines
and routines that make both of you happy with the end result.
This not only puts your mind at ease, but will also show your
teen that you acknowledge that they are capable of making sound
decisions and taking other’s considerations into account.
Parenting Teenagers can be a trying time and high school can
seem overwhelming for them. Share in the good times and be
there to lean on for the bad. Before you know it, you’ll be
catching that cap and tassel at your teen’s graduation.
About The Author: Aurelia Williams is the host of
http://www.parentingmyteen.com
and is also the owner of
http://www.reallifesolutions.net, a free resource site for
moms.
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