Teenagers are a complicated lot for they are caught between two worlds. They have still not left their childhood entirely behind and yet they want the freedom of an adult. Parenting teens can be extremely difficult for most of them resent any kind of guidance or control as they have their own opinions regarding every aspect of life. Most teens seem to be out of control with raging hormones. It is said that a teens brain especially the frontal lobes are not completely developed which accounts for their self-absorption and lack of empathy.

All parents have agonized over the various challenges that they are confronted with when bringing up their teenage kids. The universal trait that afflicts most teenagers is the desire to experiment and follow their peers. The mob mentality is most pronounced among teenagers. So, if mini skirts, colored hair or body piercing are the ‘in’ things to do, then be sure your sweet little angel who allowed you to dress her in frilly frocks, with matching shoes, socks and ribbons will one day appear like an alien in boots, micro mini leather skirts, weird makeup and what not.

The worst aspect with the desire to experiment is that teenagers are exposed to so many dangerous activities like taking drugs, alcohol, sex etc. This is why parental guidance is a must even to teenagers although they will rebel all the way. They will try to be independent and resent what they see as your ‘interference’ in their lives. However, most teenagers do need wise council at some point as long as you do not preach and criticize their every move. Being a friend to teenagers is the best way to bridge the gap and offer guidance.

To prevent teens from talking only to their friends and seeking advice and guidance from their peers and not parents, here are four tips to help you in your effort to raising your teens in the best way possible:
– Pick your fights
– Give them space to grow
– Grow as a parent
– Make your home a happy place
A teenager will always try to break rules for they feel they are outlaws not meant to be regulated in any way.

As an adult, you must pick your battles and not expect to win all the time. Have clear cut rules that they need to follow and speak logically to them. If there is an argument, do not try to win by shouting louder. Instead display a calm temperament, listen to them and finally deliver your verdict. If they want to go to the movies before an exam, listen and at the end tell them they can’t for they need to pull their grades up and can always go after the exams are over.

All teenagers need their space and privacy. During the initial teenage years, you will feel upset when the child who confided all her hopes and fears to you suddenly stops telling you everything, shuts the door when she gets a phone call and such. Remember that you must show them you are available when they need to talk on their terms and not yours. This is about them, not you and you must put aside your disappointments and use those productive times when they do confide in you which will be when they want to and not when you do.

Life is a continuous growing and learning process and as a parent of a teenager, you must also grow and realize your relationship with them is changing. If a parent is mature and knows that they also make mistakes and need to correct themselves, they will learn to be patient with the mistakes their kids make and be more sympathetic. The greater the problems you face with your teens, you can only solve them with love and patient listening.

Finally, your home must be a safe haven, free from too many family arguments so that your teenager will feel this is a place where he or she can bring friends and hang out without nosy parents always prying. Have a fridge stocked full of their favorite food and teenagers will be a happy lot for one thing that all teenagers have in common is that they are a hungry lot and they are always short on cash. Being the parent of a teenager is an amazing responsibility that if handled in the right way will make those difficult years both happy and satisfying times.

Author Bio: Article by Kenny Leichester of http://www.patioshoppers.com, a website with the best patio furniture information on the web.

Category: Parenting
Keywords: Parental guidance: A must even to teenagers