For some reason unbeknown to most, there is very little in the way of advice or support for parents who have adolescent aged children. And even more so, information on how to successfully help your teen throughout the puberty phase.
It could be that after the initial tentative steps into parenthood, most people assume that they should be able to manage. After all, they’ve got their child through the ‘tying-of-the-shoe-laces-phase’, and teachers then take over in the learning field; what more is there to do after the child hits the school years?
I can totally understand this sentiment. Things are generally quite settled for the next few years – that is until puberty! Keep reading below to learn how to help your teen through puberty.
This article is written by Anika Vassell
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Teens collection
What to Expect When Your Child Hits Puberty
Puberty, where your little ray of sunshine hits the storm!
Puberty, where you are often made to feel that any hiccups in your child’s behavior is down to your bad parenting.
Well, this is simply not right, and it really isn’t the case.
The problem I see with the current social model is that there just isn’t the support. It is assumed that you should know everything that has to do with parenting because you are one. But this is where I point out to parents that ‘you didn’t even know how to breathe effectively during childbirth before you were taught by somebody else’.
I mean something as simple and straightforward as breathing – so why would you have acquired an in-depth understanding of adolescent behavior if you’ve never faced it before?
How To Help Your Teen Through Puberty
That’s when I get the ‘Ah-Ha’ moments from parents who seek my support – the feelings of embarrassment and shame at the thought that It might be their fault, melt away. It is nobody’s fault and parents are not supposed to already know!
If you love your child, you are going to do the best you can with what you’ve got. That is the long and short of it.
So, how to help your teen through puberty? In terms of advice, the very best thing that you can do right now in your parenting, is to build ‘connectedness’ within your relationship.
What is Connectedness?
Connectedness is how well you and your child share and communicate with one another. How close you and your child are. How much you share. And how much time you spend together. It’s also how deep and meaningful the conversations are.
Connectedness is how much you are a part of one another’s lives. And importantly, this has been shown to be key in protecting children from over thirty teen-related risks.
Go here for ideas on how to connect with your teen.
Can Connectedness Really Help Your Teen Through The Puberty Phase?
Yes! As simple as that!
Thirty teen risk-taking behaviors that your child will be tempted to engage in, or will be exposed to, are less likely to entice them simply through the connected relationship that you develop with your child.
Ignore those people around you who tell you to ‘cut the apron strings’, and instead view your child’s tie to you as a bungee rope. This way when your child experiences anxiety, fear, or danger; they spring straight back to you.
If your child is young – connectedness is far easier to maintain. But do look out for the times that they begin to push you away and start shutting you out. Stay alert and do not allow it to happen. It’s a gradual process, but if you don’t stay vigilant during their early adolescent years, you soon won’t have a clue as to what they are up to in their spare time, or what their inner thoughts are. Ensure that you maintain your position as a key player in their lives.
How to Reconnect with Your Teen
If your child has already shut you out and you want to be closer, then again, it’s a process to reverse this. Start with more time spent in one another’s company; schedule it in if you have to – but make the time. Time is where room is given for natural conversation to develop, don’t force it.
Go here to learn about the benefits of trading activities for more play time at home.
Remember, your connectedness will better protect them from most teenage related troubles, so save yourself from the heartache and give yourself time now. Don’t ever underestimate the power of your relationship.
If you would like new ways to develop the relationship that you have with your teen, then you are welcome to download my book ‘Create a Lifetime of Special Moments With Your Teen: Weekly Activities and Conversation Openers to Keep You Connecting’ for free with Amazon Kindle.
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Teens collection
Featured Contributor: Anika Vassell
Anika Vassell is a Teen Behaviourist with over twenty years of experience and academic specialism with adolescent aged children and their families. Alongside the sale of books and courses for parents, Anika offers one-to-one mentoring for teens; coaching for parents and training in teen psychology for professionals who work with children & young people.
- Website: teen-behaviour.com/vlogs
- Facebook: @starburstess.co.uk
- Instagram: @anikavassell_teenbehaviourist
