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 How to Handle Teenage Behavior ProblemsRead about "How to Handle Teenage Behavior Problems " on parentingfact.com. This article, "How to Handle Teenage Behavior Problems ", will help you with your questions or concerns. We parentingfact.com, have a large number of updated articles. Please feel free in searching for more information on parentingfact.com. If you have any questions, please contact us.
The teenage years are perhaps the most difficult years for parents and kids. As with any relationship, your relationship with your kids goes through different cycles and stages. While you were their “hero” in the toddler years, by the teen years you may become just an “advisor to the board” — someone you hope they will consult on crucial decisions! Add teenage behavior problems to the parenting mix and things can be downright
tough. How you, as a parent, handle these potentially tumultuous years is
important for your own well-being and your child’s. Teenage Behavior Problems: Prevention Is the Best Medicine It’s common sense: prevention is always the best option. If you can create an
environment that reduces the chance of teenage behavior problems, this is
certainly ideal. Notice that it’s about creating an environment that reduces the
likelihood of problems—not about single-handedly keeping those problems at bay.
No matter how great a parent you are, you can’t control your teen, just
as you can’t control the decisions or behavior of any other human being. But while you can’t control your teen, you can control your own behavior.
You can decide how you will interact with your teen—and this is where dealing
with teenage behavior problems begins. The Power of Choice One of the most effective preventative methods is to give your teen choices. I
discuss this on page 127 of my book When You’re About To Go Off The Deep End,
Don’t Take Your Kids With You. Teach your teenagers responsibility by giving
them choices such as the following: - “What day are you going to do the grocery shopping this week?” - “I’ve written a check out for this season’s clothing allowance. Would you like
to shop alone or would you like me to come along?” - “You have $250 for activities this semester. Which will you choose?” When teens are offered choices on a regular basis, they become better equipped
to deal with the more difficult choices that life will inevitably throw their
way, such as: - To decide whether or not to take drugs. - To stand up for themselves. - To walk away from violence. - To choose friends who support them. - To end unhealthy friendships. - To pick high school courses they will enjoy. - To decide if and when to have sexual intercourse. Since teenage behavior problems don’t just crop up over night, it’s important to
start practicing your “preventative medicine” early on. Give your children
choices—no matter how young they are. Toddlers can decide what color pants they
want to wear, and school-aged children can determine whether to do their
homework before or after snack time. It’s never too early to start giving your children choices. Such choices teach
them responsibility and prepare them for the “bigger” decisions that lie ahead. What to Do When Teenage Behavior Problems Happen Teenage behavior problems are bound to come, even to the parents who faithfully
practice “preventative medicine” and regularly extend choices and
decision-making power to their children. One problem area is curfew. Curfew is a big trigger, especially because moms
want to keep their kids safe. It is essential to be clear with your boundaries
while also giving your teens the opportunity to discuss alternatives. On page 150 of my book, I suggest the following: 1. Set a time. Be certain that it is clear. 2. Discuss ahead of time what to do if they are late. Have them call you
by telephone so you don’t worry. If they need a ride or are in a dangerous
situation, ask them to call you (if this happens make certain you don’t yell at
them the entire ride home!). 3. Discuss the commonsense consequences of being late. A common one is
that their curfew will be an hour earlier for the next week until they prove
that they can be responsible with time. Once they do this, then go back to their
original curfew. It is important that this is not used as a punishment. You may
also decide to give them the option of having their friends over until the time
of their regular curfew. These steps for handling curfew ensure your teens will keep actively making
choices about their behavior, which is crucial.
No matter what the issue is, whether it is about their curfew or something else,
try to implement the same principles outlined here. As much as possible, create
an environment in which your teens can make decisions about their own behavior. Finally, take teenage behavior problems in stride. An over-the-top reaction from
you will guarantee an over-the-top reaction from your teen—which is usually an
over-the-top attempt to not “get caught” the next time. Instead of inspiring
good decisions, such heavy-handedness discourages teens and prompts them toward
making more poor choices. Be gentle; be firm; be patient; be loving. You’ll find teenage behavior problems
will be a lot less problematic. Kelly Nault, MA author of When You’re About To Go Off The Deep End, Don’t Take Your Kids With You inspires moms to put themselves first—for the sake of their children. She shares time-tested tools that motivate children to want to be well behaved, responsible and happy! Sign up for her free online parenting course here. You are free to print or publish this article provided the article and bio remain as written and include a link to http://www.mommymoments.com as above. © 2005 UltimateParent.com. All rights reserved Article Sourc
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