Parenting teenage kids can be challenging enough in itself, but it’s also important to remember that many of the parenting tips out there are geared toward men—which means they won’t always apply to you as a woman raising teenage kids. Here are some great parenting tips from moms who have been there and done that, and want to help you learn from their mistakes and triumphs so you can raise happy, healthy teenagers without getting burned out along the way.
7 Parenting Tips For Women With Teenage Kids
How to deal with mood swings
First and foremost, remember that your teenager is going through a lot of changes. It might be hard to remember how your hormones raged or how it felt to be unsure of yourself. When you’re in school, you’re dealing with people from all walks of life, all going through the challenges of figuring themselves out, so cut them some slack. That said, don’t be afraid to set boundaries in order to create some semblance of discipline. Rules apply to everyone part of society and should be made to understand the various social expectations they need to live up to, but always reassure them that you are there to guide them so they don’t feel abandoned or lost.
How to talk about drugs and alcohol
It’s no secret that drugs and alcohol are a big part of the teenage experience even if they are studying in top schools. But as a parent, it’s important to have a plan for how to talk to your kids about these topics. The first step is to understand what your kid is going through. Keep an eye on their social media feeds and talk with them about what they see.
How to have open communication
As your kids enter their teenage years, it’s more important than ever to keep the lines of communication open. Let them know that you’re always available to talk, and encourage them to come to you with any problems or concerns they may have. Talk about what happened at school today, how their day went, who they hung out with at recess- anything. Listen to what they’re saying without interrupting or criticising them and show an interest in what’s going on in their lives by asking questions.
How to help them be their best selves
As a parent, you want your children to grow up to be their best selves. To help them along this path, here are a few tips for women with teenage kids that will support them as they go through adolescence and into adulthood:
- Provide them with opportunities for personal growth
- Establish clear expectations and boundaries
- Model healthy behaviours and lifestyle choices
- Foster self-confidence by focusing on the positives in their lives
- Listen more than you talk
- Encourage empathy by understanding what they may be going through
- Be mindful of how they can contribute to the world
Set boundaries without being overbearing
As a parent, it’s important to set boundaries for your teenage child. However, you don’t want to be overbearing and micromanage their every move. Try to find a balance by setting clear expectations and rules while also giving them some space to grow and make their own decisions.
Ask for help when you need it
No one said parenting was easy. It’s one of the hardest things that anyone could ever do because we’re basically launched into parenthood without any prior knowledge – unless you’re a counsellor, a teacher, or someone who works with children, you probably have zero knowledge of how to care for a baby, much less parent a teenager. It’s basically all trial and error at this point and parents shouldn’t be afraid of asking for help.
Take time out for yourself
It’s important to take time out for yourself when you’re a parent, especially when you have teenage kids. You need to recharge your batteries so you can be the best parent you can be. Take care of your appearance (style your hair, put on makeup); Read something that isn’t parenting related; Spend time with friends or family who aren’t parents; Sleep at least 8 hours per night; Do something nice for yourself (get a manicure or pedicure).
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