The teenage stage is the most feared stage of parenting. However, it is the latter and for the most part marked by irresponsibility and rebellion. Even the best parents are warned of this stage, which presents itself as an inevitable battlefield for parents and their children. Fortunately, though, as a parent, if you play your cards right, this doesn’t have to be the case. With all your ideas and energy, it can be challenging as well as fun.

Understanding the stimulus behind adolescent behavior can turn things around for you. There are several changes that adolescents go through as they prepare for adulthood and although it may be several years ago, you too went through the same stage and therefore you should be able to relate to the behavior and understand the motivation. : this is key. If you are willing to give in a little, possibly adjusting to the situation by the way you react or think you could experience this terrible stage in a very positive way.

First, develop mutual trust. If your teenage son or daughter suddenly develops selective amnesia with details related to school or friends, don’t panic. Despite the mumbled, monosyllabic responses, your child really wants or rather needs to connect with you. At times during this period, you may have to step back from your parenting role and become a consultant of some kind who listens a lot, although there are some things that can be quite difficult for you to digest. Simply accept your new position paving the way for mutual trust.

There will be many things at this stage of life that will inevitably bother you and you will feel a great need to talk. However, you must be wise in the battles you choose to fight so you don’t end up with a teenager who doesn’t want to be in the same room with you or feels unloved. For example, having a messy room and dying your hair purple don’t really matter compared to getting hurt or doing something that will be permanent, like getting an actual tattoo.

Instead of flatly saying, “You can’t hang out with those kids,” which will backfire in most cases, you could invite these friends over for dinner. This will help you get a good idea of ​​who they really are and advise your child accordingly without creating a rift between the two of you.

These are just some of the few tips for improving teen parenting skills. There are endless other ways to approach your teen and get through this stage without much bloodshed, just be open to creative ideas.