| Being a teenager has its own set of difficulties and | | | | standards and limits set for them as children will |
| can sometimes lead to turmoil - as we see and read | | | | enable them to live and work to their fullest potential. |
| about in our daily lives. It is crucial, therefore, that as | | | | 3. Laughter |
| parents, we try to give our children the necessary | | | | Having fun with your teenagers is essential. Knowing |
| skills to deal with what may lie ahead. | | | | what their interests are and joining in with them and |
| 1. Communication is key. | | | | making home life as loving and caring as possible |
| From an early age, we need to engage our children in | | | | gives them a sense of security and they know that |
| conversations on all topics - at an age appropriate | | | | we, their parents, are always there for them in good |
| level - and encourage them to voice their opinions. | | | | and bad. |
| We need to instill in them the notion that discussion is | | | | 4. Peer Pressure |
| something that is very positive and can be very | | | | Friendships with their peers can be worrying |
| therapeutic at times. Being able to verbalise their | | | | sometimes. We want them to make good, solid |
| problems, in later life, can aid the solutions. | | | | friendships and have healthy relationships. |
| 2. Discipline is also important. | | | | Communication, again, is crucial in this matter. If there |
| We often make the mistake of trying to be our | | | | is a problem and the lines of communication are open |
| children's best friend and not the parent. We are | | | | between you and your teenager, a solution can |
| parents, first and foremost, and we need to set | | | | generally be found sooner rather than later. |
| guidelines for our children and stick to them. | | | | In conclusion, the teenage years are short, but they |
| If we are not consistent with these 'rules' then we | | | | can cause a lot of angst and worry for both parents |
| could be in for trouble. Teenagers need limits to be | | | | and teenagers alike. If we are honest and open with |
| set and they need to understand why we, as | | | | our children from the get-go we stand a better |
| parents, must set these limits. When they are adults, | | | | chance of steering them through the sometimes |
| and working in the 'real world', hopefully, the | | | | turbulent sea that is the 'teenage years'. |