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Parenting takes on new challenges when the high school years arrive. With the threat of teenage rebellion always looming, it’s no wonder parents balk at the thought of these years. If you keep yourself informed and patient, raising your teen doesn’t have to be a terrifying time.
Those Teenage Years
Look at this stage in your child’s life as a time for you to help your child grow into their own distinct, individual self. As adolescents, your kids will try on different identities and the appearances that go along with them, often raising conflicts in the home. The goal of this stage of life is to achieve independence, so you might find your child pulling away from you. Now is the time to be supportive.
How to Cope
If high school rebellion causes anxiety in your life, take this as the time to work on your relationship with your kids. Question yourself—do you take the time to listen to and consider your kids’ opinions? Simply showing that you care will go a long way. Put yourself in your teenager’s shoes to understand that they may feel self-conscious, and let them know that it’s OK to feel that way. Choose your battles wisely. Leave room for your child’s self expression. It’s more important to fight on issues with real and permanent danger than to pick a fight about your teenager dyeing their hair a funky color.
Of course, certain signals in your teen like extreme weigh loss or gain or constantly skipping school point to real problems. Seek help if you need to, and remember, parenting rebellious teenagers calls above all for your support.
