There is no such thing as a perfect family. Parents may often think they’re doing what’s best for their child because they love them. But those actions may not always necessarily be healthy. As children grow up and reach their teenage years, this is usually when things take a turn for the worst. Arguments may be frequent, misunderstanding increase, and parents begin to wonder what happened to their sweet child they used to play with. This is a concern commonly experienced and we want to help be a part of the solution. Here are eight effective ways that can strengthen parent-teen relationships.
Hug Each other on a Daily Basis
Psychologist Dr Janice Kiecolt-Glaser states the older you are the more fragile you are physical. So, contact becomes increasingly important for good health. When you enter your teenage years you may be reluctant to hug your parents. Because it’s no longer considered to be cool. As you learn to be more independent you may keep physical affection to a minimum. However, hugging is good for your health and acts as a natural stress reliever. Approaching adulthood can be scary and challenging. When you hug your parents on a daily basis, it will act as a physical reminder that you’re not alone. Physical and emotional supports are equally important when you work on fortifying relationships in general.
Turn Off Technology Devices During Interactions
It can be hard to walk away from technology when you’re constantly connected by it. You don’t want to live in a cave to save your relationship with your parents. But it doesn’t hurt you to put your phone on silent. So, you don’t feel obligated to respond to every email or text message when you interacting with your parents. When you’re in the car with your family. It’s also good practice to turn off the music, so it gives you the opportunity to talk. Although music can be a great way to bond by singing your favourite songs together on bad days when communication is vital. It’s good to stray from using technology as a mean of escaping from one another.
Connect before Transitions or Large Decision Making
Making transitions can be challenging, especially in your teenager. This is the time when your child begins to figure out who they are and what kind of life they want to live. A lot of decision-making takes place. There are going to be many days when they are uncertain about what direction to take. Don’t hesitate to reach out and let your child know you are there for them. Give them advice and any insight you think will be helpful to them. But don’t tell them directly what to do. Let them figure out what they want to do and be supportive and adapt a generous attitude at this moment.
Make Time to spend quality 1:1 Time With each other
As you get older more responsibilities tend to stack-up on your plate. You start working to build the skills you want for your desired career and your friends move away to chase their own dreams. You’re no longer in close proximity with them so you have to schedule a compatible time to see each other. This makes it incredibly easy to put your family on the back burner when you are already juggling work with your social life.
Don’t forget to set aside time to spend quality one-on-one time with your parents. It can be extremely tempting to postpone plans when you may just want to be alone to unwind for a while or go out and engage with new faces in your networking circle, but this is how parenting relationships weaken. Distance is created and putting an effort becomes minimal to none. Sustaining a strong relationship with your parents can be difficult with increasing age. But ghosting them easily destroys it. It doesn’t have to be a lot. You can spend 15 minutes each day to have meaningful conversations or set aside an hour during weekends and make dinner together.
Encourage Emotions Instead of Shutting them Out
Emotions are messy but it’s important to be mindful towards each other’s feelings. Don’t be quick to dismiss them especially during arguments. Regulating your emotions can be difficult when you are strongly affected by a situation. Keep in mind a strong relationship is built upon the ways in which we communicate our emotions. If your child is hurting don’t be neglectful towards them even the both of you have a hard time talking about the source of pain. Emotions can be only put off for so long until they explode.
Keep an Eye on Their Little Joys
Little things lead to a prospers life. As an elder you probably know each and every habit of your kid. You know your child likings more than others right! Suppose your son is in the army and deployed far from you along the border. He called you to inform that he will be with you on the upcoming weekend on leave. Start collecting some unique gift ideas and plan a surprise for your loved one.
Listen to Understand, not With the Intent to React
When you’re disappointed in your child it is easy to listen to them just to confirm their angry emotions. Instead of being quick to react take the time to listen and understand where your child is coming from. Even if you wholeheartedly disagree with their actions opinions if you choose to yell at them this may cause even more resentment between both. As a result, communication may suffer because your child may retreat and refuse to speak to you. Learn to work out your difference by broadening your perspective and finding a solution together where both of you can benefit from.
Respect Boundaries
Toxic behaviour drives from getting rid of boundaries. If want to have a good relationship with your child manifest healthy behaviour by respecting their boundaries. This can be challenging at your end as your child begins wanting more privacy and freedom. But good parenting involves providing opportunities to make mistakes and learn from them. Don’t rob your child of that growth instead create a safe space where failure is normalized.