4 Tips For A Great Relationship With Your Teenage Children

The world in which we are living has changed so much over the last 20 years.
Because of all the changes in communication and technology it has also become a smaller place. Our children are much more exposed to all aspects of life, both good and bad.

Being a teenager has its own set of difficulties and can sometimes lead to turmoil - as we see and read about in our daily lives. It is crucial, therefore, that as parents, we try to give our children the necessary skills to deal with what may lie ahead.

1. Communication is key.
From an early age, we need to engage our children in conversations on all topics - at an age appropriate level - and encourage them to voice their opinions.

We need to instill in them the notion that discussion is something that is very positive and can be very therapeutic at times. Being able to verbalise their problems, in later life, can aid the solutions.

2. Discipline is also important.
We often make the mistake of trying to be our children's best friend and not the parent. We are parents, first and foremost, and we need to set guidelines for our children and stick to them.

If we are not consistent with these ‘rules' then we could be in for trouble. Teenagers need limits to be set and they need to understand why we, as parents, must set these limits. When they are adults, and working in the ‘real world', hopefully, the standards and limits set for them as children will enable them to live and work to their fullest potential.

3. Laughter is so important.
Having fun with your teenagers is essential. Knowing what their interests are and joining in with them and making home life as loving and caring as possible gives them a sense of security and they know that we, their parents, are always there for them in good and bad.

4. Peer Pressure
Friendships with their peers can be worrying sometimes. We want them to make good, solid friendships and have healthy relationships. Communication, again, is crucial in this matter. If there is a problem and the lines of communication are open between you and your teenager, a solution can generally be found sooner rather than later.

In conclusion, the teenage years are short, but they can cause a lot of angst and worry for both parents and teenagers alike. If we are honest and open with our children from the get-go we stand a better chance of steering them through the sometimes turbulent sea that is the ‘teenage years'.

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