Understanding and Supporting Teenagers: A Parent’s Perspective

"Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to connect with your teenager?"

We generally hear that teenagers are so difficult to handle. As a parent of two teens, I completely agree—it's not easy sometimes. But it's not easy for them either. They are navigating their way through significant changes—physically, mentally, and emotionally. They are connecting with the real world, with all its good, bad, and ugly parts. They are learning to deal with relationships, understanding love, work, money, and much more.

I am surrounded by many teenagers. I often hear them worry about their future in this ever-changing world. We might think it's easy for them because of the exposure they get, but that same exposure brings pressure and confusion with multiple options, while also taking away some of their innocence.

We've all been there. We were equally confused and stressed. The challenges may be a bit different now, but they are still quite daunting.

Challenges Teenagers Face

So instead of judging them, can we understand and support them in their growth process? They are figuring out relationships, failure, making decisions, and worrying about what happens if they mess up. What if they can't make their mark with so much competition? What if they don’t get clarity on what they want to do? On top of this, they deal with expectations from family and friends. They are making meaning of the biggest curriculum called life.

OMG, when I see my teen friends, I feel so much compassion for them. It is not easy to handle so many things—love life, education, career, looking good, self-worth, coping with parents and society, dealing with self-judgment, doing something different to be recognized, understanding earning, saving, investing, spending money, and so much more.

How to Support Our Teens

As slightly more experienced beings, can we support them, share our values and beliefs, and then give them the space to access their free will? Allow them to find their own meaning.

It's not easy because we didn’t get that kind of parenting. We had strict or controlling parents, and we want to be fun and cool parents, but we end up confusing our kids and stressing ourselves.

All our children want is our presence when they are going through something. They don’t want our advice or "I told you so" speeches. They just want us to be loving witnesses to their roller coaster ride.

Practical Tips for Parents

Be Present Without Overstepping: Simply being there for them can make a huge difference. They need to feel your presence, not your pressure.

Communicate Effectively: Listen more than you speak. Sometimes, all they need is someone to hear them out.

Offer Space: Allow them to make mistakes and learn from them. It’s part of their growth process.

Share Your Stories: Let them know that you’ve been through similar struggles. This can help them feel understood and less alone.

Building Stronger Relationships
Love yourself and your teenagers. It’s not easy for either party. Let’s embrace the conflicts and enjoy our shared journey of growing up.

Quote to Inspire 
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.– E.E Cummings.
 

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