Parenting a teenager is bound to be difficult-it’s nature’s law! When you see your kids you may feel that they will never disobey you or never go out of control but don’t worry you’ll eventually be there. Like any other parent with teenage kids in the house, you might struggle every day to battle with them for everything. Adolescence is the period where your child is neither a kid nor an adult and also undergoes a lot of changes physically and mentally. You will be able to successfully cross this phase by adopting a few strategies coupled with extreme levels of patience.

Remember that not all kids will turn out to be disrespectful. Some may just prefer to treat you to silence and scary stares. Just remember the following strategies and breeze through this phase.

1.    The most common thing that happens during this phase is frequent mood swings. Your kid may pick up fights with you for anything and everything. It’s OK, learn to stay calm. Avoid using strong/harsh words against them.

2.    Every time they come back home, welcome them with a smile and hug. Ask them how the day was. If they refuse to reply, don’t force them into answering you. Give them some time to relax and sit beside them and tell them that you’d like to help them get rid of the things that are causing discomfort to them. But remember not to push them.

3.    Use humour as your weapon – if you’re good at it. A good laugh can help lighten the environment and create space for your kids to open up.

4.    If you feel your child is comfortable with a family member other than you, don’t get upset. Just be happy about it and get them to talk with that favourite person more often. Once they are done, you can talk to your family member and see how better you can communicate things to your child.

5.    Don’t serve up rejection for rejection. If your kid is giving you that shrug or an angry stare, don’t pick up arguments with them. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all- simple!

6.    Rules have to be set in the presence of the kid. Consider their thoughts while setting rules at home and be flexible with them. If you see your child violating the rules later tell him that it was an agreed decision by both sides.

7.    Frame your sentences with empathy. Instead of saying, “You’re being rude”, tell them, “I feel hurt when such words are spoken to me”.

8.    Appreciate and have a positive interaction with your kids. This makes them feel special and wanted.

Reference:

http://www.helpguide.org/ articles/teen-issues/helping- troubled-teens.htm

https://www.empoweringparents. com/article/disrespectful- kids-and-teens-5-rules-to- help-you-handle-their- behavior/