The journey of parenthood is marked by various stages, each presenting its own set of joys, challenges, and uncertainties. As your child transitions from childhood to adolescence, commonly known as the tween and teen years, you may find yourself navigating uncharted territory (and unconfident). These transitional years are characterized by significant physical, emotional, and social changes, which can sometimes feel overwhelming for both parents and their growing children. To help you understand how to handle changes and emotions, we’ll explore some realistic insights and helpful tips to assist working parents in managing the complexities of parenting tweens and teens.
P.S. It will get better at some point. We promise.
Understanding the Changes:
First, we need to address the changes. Remember the sleep regressions with growth spurts when your child was a baby or toddler? It may have been a while, but they’re still experiencing these but on a much bigger scale. Physically, tweens and teens undergo rapid growth spurts, hormonal changes, and puberty-related developments. These changes can manifest in various ways, such as mood swings, acne, body image concerns, and fluctuations in sleep patterns. Emotionally, adolescents may experience heightened sensitivity, increased independence, and a desire for autonomy.
Tips for Parents:
Navigating these changes requires patience, understanding, and open communication. Here are some tips for parenting through the tween and teen years.
Maintain Open Communication: Encourage your tween or teen to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly. Create a safe and non-judgmental space where they feel comfortable discussing any issues or challenges they may be facing. While communication may slow down during these years, it also makes the communication you do have that much more meaningful for your relationship. And sometimes the silence is communicating, too.
Set Clear Boundaries: Establishing boundaries around screen time, social media usage, and bedtime routines can help maintain a sense of structure and balance in your child’s life. Discuss and collaboratively set guidelines that align with your family values and priorities. And that may mean that parents respect their space and time, too. Mutual respect goes a long way in building trust.
Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on current trends, technologies, and social media platforms that your child may be exposed to. Educate yourself about potential risks and challenges associated with online interactions, and have ongoing conversations about internet safety. This doesn’t mean you have to speak in their slang and try to connect with them on their level, but it does mean that you are aware of any concerning trends and can have a conversation with your tween/teen when necessary.
Encourage Healthy Habits: Prioritize your child’s physical and mental well-being by promoting healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep. This is the age where they’re trying new hobbies and learning who they are in their growing bodies and minds, and unfortunately that also comes with a streak of laziness or nonchalant behavior. So encourage them to engage in activities they enjoy and find fulfilling outside of school and screen time.
Be Empathetic: Recognize that your tween or teen may be navigating complex emotions and identity issues during this stage of their development. Practice empathy, validation, and active listening to support them through their ups and downs. Make sure that your child knows that you’re available for them, but understand that their interests may not align with how you planned to raise them. This can be upsetting and you may clash, and that’s normal!
Model Positive Behavior: Lead by example and demonstrate healthy coping mechanisms, effective communication skills, and resilience in the face of challenges. Your actions speak louder than words, and your child will likely emulate the behaviors they observe in you. So don’t forget to apologize if you lose it, that’s okay! When you take ownership of your emotions and behavior, your child will feel safe to do so as well.
Seek Support When Needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from trusted friends, family members, or professional counselors if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to best support your child. Every child is different and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Parenting Tweens and Teens
Parenting tweens and teens can be both rewarding and challenging, especially for working parents juggling multiple responsibilities. By understanding what your child may be experiencing, you can help them navigate the complexities of adolescence while fostering strong relationships built on trust, understanding, and open communication. Remember to be patient, flexible, and empathetic as you support your child through their journey of self-discovery and growth. With a blend of patience, empathy, and proactive parenting strategies, we can help our children thrive during this transformative stage of their lives.
