Adolescence is seen by most
parents as a time when a child’s brain seems to shut down. Communication may
seem very difficult from a parent’s perspective, mostly in part because they
feel what is trying to be relayed to the child goes in one ear and out the
other.
However, during this time in a
child’s life most learning process, problem solving and brain development take
place. So, the ability to communicate and teach life skills from parent to
child, although difficult at times, is most important. It is important to talk
to your child everyday. Cover everyday or common topics and venture into the
land of the uncomfortable often. Bring up things that are embarrassing, not
only to the child but to yourself too. By practicing this and laying the ground
work early, it will make the more difficult conversations to come easier. Also
the child will become familiar with the lines of communications that have been
established, in turn making it easier for them to turn to a parent when support
is needed. Another important factor in
maintaining a supportive relationship with an adolescent and to remain involved
in their life. Support their interest and offer to take part in them at any
point of the venture. Even something as menial as giving them a ride, to things
like attending activities as a spectator will encourage the adolescent to
pursue their interest to their fullest potential. This encouragement and
support with strengthen the bond between the parent and child by reassuring the
child that they have the support of their parent. Also, this time spent
strengthens the parent-child bond and opens the opportunity for communication
to take place and all parties involved benefit from learning more about each
other. Being involved can be tiresome, expensive, boring and time consuming but
the reward is well worth it. By establishing the role as a supportive and
interested parent, precedence will be set and will make it much easier to
respect the boundary of being a parent and not being a friend.
James M. Parker
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