Ten Tips to a Happy Life with your Teen- Part 5

Here are tips 9 and 10 for parents of teens. Starting tomorrow I will post 10 tips for teens. Let me know what you think! 

9) Give Your Teen Space

If you are raising your teen with good moral values and a positive approach to life you are more than likely able to trust your teen, to a certain degree.  Know that most teens lie to some extent with some better at it than others.  

If your teen feels suffocated and can never be sure of their own judgment because you are always telling them the “right” thing to do, you are setting your teen up to rebel and seek out more space.  

It’s okay and “normal” for your teen to go into his/her room, shut the door and have at least two electronics going (ichat, FB, cell phone, etc.) That’s okay as long as he/she knows you can politely knock and go in at any time.  

10) LOVE Your Teen

I know this may seem like a no-brainer but it is important to remember.  No matter how irritable your teen may get, and how much they rant and rave at you and rebel and attempt to shut you out, know these are growing pains for both of you and remind yourself “This too shall pass.” 

Cherish the positive times before they become distant memories.  Harry Chapin really coined the term well of a parent of a teen “Tangled Up Puppet.” 

Call me and ask me more about it :) 914-329-5355

Important Notice: The information presented above is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a psychologist or other mental health professional to discuss your unique situation.  If you would like to talk with me about it, you may call my office at 914-329-5355.