In this blog post, we will talk about Responsibly Approaching Your Teen’s Independence and how you can handle it. Every generation of teenagers has wanted some independence from their parents.
They long for the freedom to venture out on their own. They also want to make and manage their own money. I know when I was a teen, I wanted to earn my own money so that I did not have to ask my parents all the time.
Teens also want to impress their crushes and friends without a parent hovering over them. These are a few familiar reasons why teens may withhold information or express a desire for space from their parents.
As a parent, that’s hard to hear and deal with. Knowing your child is growing up and slowly becoming a young adult, who’ll be moving out soon, is a hard reality to face. But it doesn’t have to be a traumatic or bad experience for you both.
Communication and understanding are important to creating a welcoming home that your teenager will always be happy to return to. I have always tried to have open communication with my kids and I am so glad that I did this.
Below are some helpful tips and tricks that may help you through the (sometimes) trying teenage years.
Responsibly Approaching Your Teen’s Independence
Set Boundaries But Be Willing to Discuss Them
Boundaries help to keep us safe in life, even as adults. Not talking to a toxic ex? That’s a boundary. Refusing to work outside of your contracted hours? That’s a boundary too! And if you set a good example now, your teen won’t be afraid to use boundaries themselves as they get older.
Of course, some rules seem unfair to them, and that is why communication is so important. If they present a good enough argument, you could even come up with some boundaries together, such as how long they’re allowed to stay out or what time they need to be in bed.
Go Through Worst Case Scenarios
Bad things are going to happen in life, and things are going to happen to your kids too. There’s no getting around this, unfortunately. They have to learn things on their own and we can only be there to guide them and be there for them when things do happen.
So ensure that they will always be prepared and know you got their back, it’s a good idea to sit down with your teen and go over some worst-case scenarios. If they’ve just got their license, personally go over the dangers of the road. Telling them what to do if an accident happens.
Also talk to them about Uber and Lyft, in case they can’t drive one time and need to hitch a ride with one of them. They need to know safety precautions like not mentioning their name to the driver. Always ask the driver their name and who they are there for. If, when riding with the Uber or Lyft driver, something does happen (God forbid!) then you can talk to a Uber/Lyft rideshare accident lawyer.
This is a good way to get your teen to understand the gravity of the ‘what ifs‘ and what could possibly happen to them, there is always help and you will always be there for them.
Or if they want to go to a house party for the first time, talk about what might go on there. Remind them that they can say no if they’re feeling pressured, and that they have the power to intervene if something doesn’t look right. Tell them that they can always call you if they need to at any hour of the night.
Remind Them You’re There for Them
Teenagers feel like the world is against them. As their parent, you’re going to be the prime target of such an attitude during the independent stage. And that’s why you need to have regular talks about emotions and understanding, as well as how you’re there for them. Do this in your own way, but make sure these talks happen!
If your teen wants to be more independent, talk about it and be open with them. Let them be open with you without judgment.
Do you have a teen in the house? How about more than one teen? I have two!! It isn’t easy all the time and some days, like today, can be ever so trying, but if you have good open communication with them and are always there for them, you should be able to get through the teen years without a scratch (well, maybe a few!).
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