How to Deal with Complicated Teen Issues as a Parent

There is no doubt that trying to parent a teenager can be a complex and daunting task. Mood swings, a rapid rate of development and an increasingly busy social calendar are just a few teen issues that most parents have to deal with when they have an adolescent living under their roof. You might even be dealing with some heavier issues such as your teen’s social anxiety, a situation of bullying, or even depression.

These things can be difficult to navigate, so it is okay to feel a little overwhelmed! Adolescence is an exciting time full of discovery, new experiences, and that much-anticipated bridge from childhood to becoming a fully-fledged adult. But being a teenager can also be a very confusing time since the younger generation is now immersed in social media, image comparison, and romantic relationships.

As a parent, you might be running into some teen issues that you feel unable to deal with by yourself. That can be completely understandable, and you may need some professional help to help provide your child with the tools required to successfully manage their current situation. That being said, we can all do with a few tips every now and again, right?

5 Ways to Deal with Teen Issues in Your Home

Here are some ways that you can help your child flourish during this important stage of their lives.

1. Remember what it was like, but know that it is different now!

As a parent, it is easy to rely on phrases like “I remember what it was like back when I was young.” But you must remember that the world is a very different place now. While you may be able to relate to some of your teen’s experiences, it is unlikely you were experiencing these formative years while being bombarded with social media feeds and Snapchat messages.

Remember to listen to your child when it comes to their specific issues. Hear them out fully before jumping in with how you dealt with things as a teenager since they might just want to vent some frustration. On the other hand, you may have gained some vital wisdom over the course of your life, so be bold in imparting this when appropriate!

2. Always keep lines of communication open

With the rise of technology and telecommunications, it can be easy to feel as if we are always connected. Texting with your child can be a great way of keeping up with what is going on in their lives, but nothing beats a face-to-face chat. Allow your child to be open and honest with you in conversation, and avoid being judgmental about what they tell you.

It is possible that your teen is being non-communicative. It is possible that it is just a phase, but you must persevere. Don’t bombard them with questions, but stay relaxed and continue to try to open up a dialogue, all the while reassuring them that they can talk to you about anything.

It is good to let them know what is going on in your life and to open up to them to an appropriate degree. You don’t want them to think that they are your therapist, but it can produce a level of trust if you are candid and honest.

3. Be steady and consistent

Being a teenager can bring with it a tidal wave of hormones and feelings. Since these affect your teen’s general mood and social behavior, it can be confusing or even a little scary at times. It is therefore important that you remain a steady influence in their life.

Of course, you will have good and bad days yourself, try your hardest to be consistent in your behavior towards them. This will provide your teen with a sense of stability at home and will encourage them to open up to you, knowing that they are in a safe and secure environment to do so. Having a reliable parent is one of the most important aspects of being a child. Knowing that your parent is there for you regardless of the circumstances is absolutely invaluable for healthy teenage development.

4. Get to know who they are hanging out with

Your teen is likely to have a group of friends, some of whom they might talk to about their problems. Friendship groups can be a wonderful source of support and encouragement, but they can also become gossipy and unhealthy. Get to know your child’s friends. Open up your home for them to hang out in. Just be present. This will encourage their friends to come to you if there is anything serious they need to let you know about your child.

Of course, every parent also knows the risk that their teen will get in with the ‘wrong group’ who will influence them in unhealthy or even dangerous ways. Keep some subtle tabs on your child’s friendship group to stop this from getting out of hand, and help you gauge whether you need to challenge your child about their friendship group. Remember to keep communication lines open at all times – your child may well talk to you about it if they are concerned about what their friends are getting up to.

5. Develop a network of support

A strong support network is absolutely essential when raising a teenager. Not only does your teen need people who will encourage and guide them during these years, but so do you! Make sure you have some wise friends who you can go to with your parenting troubles in confidence – perhaps a group of parents who are also raising teenagers or older parents who have already navigated this stage of life.

Your teen is more likely to thrive if they are being adequately cared for and supported during these challenging years. A good group of friends, steady, loving parenting and a balanced lifestyle can really help. However, your child may at some point come across some issues that require professional support. Perhaps it is a mental health problem that has worsened, an instance of substance abuse, or just a complete inability to communicate in a healthy way with you. These things are prevalent among today’s teenagers and may require further assistance.

Family counseling can provide a safe space in which you and your child can engage in mediated and open conversation. A trained therapist will be able to help you navigate the issues that have arisen, and this is likely to dramatically improve your relationship over time. Having a place where you and your child can be totally honest with each other is invaluable, and can foster a greater level of trust and bonding between you.

Raising a teenager can be tough. I hope these few tips will help you navigate these complex years and guide you in developing a healthy, honest and open relationship with your child. Remember, you cannot do it all on your own. Cultivate a support network around both you and your family, and never be afraid to ask for professional help if things get tough. Making that step of confronting an issue head-on and seeking out those who can help is an important aspect of being a responsible parent.