Raising a teenager can be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences parents will ever go through. As your child moves out of childhood and approaches young adulthood, they’ll likely be facing difficult decisions regarding their future, learning more about who they are as an individual, and dealing with various social pressures and changes. With that in mind, here are 5 tips for navigating this tricky period.

Be a good friend to your child

It can be hard for teenagers to feel understood by the people around them. They grow and change daily, but the people around them are not. Grandparents usually understand this better than parents because they are slightly more removed from the situation. During adolescence, teenagers experience hormonal changes. It means that older people have already gone through this and therefore understand it better. It is better if your children come to you for advice, but they won’t if you act like a boss. They will come to you if you are a good friend because they naturally turn to friends when they are in trouble.

Make them responsible

Do not try to control teenagers. Instead, be open with them and give them responsibility. It will help them grow. If you want to do something with your children, let them develop because that is what they are trying to do. Not only is their body developing, but the potential of human beings is also growing in them. So you should let them develop instead of thinking about how to limit them.

Stop rejoicing in childish helplessness

Your children getting older can be a good thing. But it can also be hard because they need less from you as they grow up. When they are young, they are helpless and expect everything from you. You think your children are wonderful because they are helpless. If you keep praising children for being helpless, they will stay helpless their whole life. Usually, when children reach their teenage years and become more independent, their parents don’t like it. So parents should be happy when their children start becoming more independent.

Encourage open communication

Communication between parents and teenagers is important. Encouraging open communication with your teenager can help in many ways. It could mean having regular conversations about plans for the future or just talking about what’s going on in their lives and providing advice when needed. Ask your teen questions about their thoughts and feelings, and listen carefully. Ensure they know you are there for them if they want to talk or need advice.

Allow them to make mistakes

Nobody is perfect, and this applies to your teenager as well. Allow your teen to make mistakes, and don’t be overly critical when they do. Mistakes are a part of life and can help teach important lessons. When your teen gets into trouble, talk to them about the situation and try to understand why it happened. Offer advice and guidance, but try not to be overly judgmental. Let them know it’s okay to make mistakes and that you will help them work together.