Common Mistakes Parents Make with Teens and How to Avoid Them

Posted on Sep 7, 2021 in Parenting Advice

As a parent, it’s important to be aware of the mistakes you might be making when it comes to your teen. It can be difficult to navigate through those years, but with some knowledge and understanding, you can make things a bit easier for you and your child. This article will outline some of the most common mistakes parents make with teens so you can avoid them in the future. Happy parenting!

The biggest mistakes parents make with their teens

1. Not talking about sex and relationships early enough

Many parents avoid discussing sex and relationships with their teens, thinking they are not ready to hear about such things. However, this can often lead to teens feeling unprepared for the real world and unsure about what is expected of them regarding dating and sex. Therefore, it is important to have these conversations early on so your teen knows what to expect and can make informed decisions about their sexuality.

1. Being too permissive

While you don’t want to be overly strict with your teen, you also don’t want to be too permissive. This can send the message that you are okay with whatever they do, no matter how risky or harmful it may be. Therefore, it is important to set clear rules and boundaries with your teen and enforce them consistently.

1. Not staying involved in their lives

As your teen becomes more independent, it can be tempting to back off and let them do their own thing. However, staying involved in their lives as much as possible is important. This means keeping tabs on their activities, who they hang out with, and what they do when they are not with you. If you feel like you are being too intrusive, talk to your teen about it and see if they are open to having a bit more freedom.

1. Getting too emotional

When talking to your teen about sensitive topics like sex and relationships, it is important to keep your emotions in check. Getting too upset or angry will only make your teen clam up and make it more difficult to have an open and honest conversation. If you need to, take a step back and take a few deep breaths before continuing the discussion.

1. Being judgmental

It is important to be open-minded when talking to your teen about sex and relationships. If you are judgmental or critical of their choices, they are likely to shut down and tune you out. Instead, try to listen to their point of view and understand where they are coming from. Only then can you hope to influence their decisions positively.

Communication rules between teens and parents

Parents must establish communication rules with their teenage children to maintain healthy relationships. Teens should feel comfortable communicating with their parents about any topic, and parents should be respectful of their children’s opinions and feelings. Below are some tips for effective communication between parents and teens:

1. Be an active listener. When your teen is talking to you, give them your full attention. Put away distractions, such as your phone or the television, and make eye contact. This will show your teen that you value what they have to say.
2. Avoid judgmental language. When communicating with your teen, try to avoid using judgmental language or making assumptions about their thoughts and feelings. This can make your teen feel defensive and less likely to open up to you.
3. Be patient. It can be difficult for teens to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. So be patient with them as they try to communicate with you, and resist the urge to interrupt or finish their sentences.
4. Respect their privacy. As your teen grows older, they will likely want more privacy. Respect their wishes and avoid prying into areas of their life that they do not want to share with you.
5. Avoid lectures. When communicating with your teen, avoid giving long-winded lectures or lectures disguised as advice. Instead, try to have a two-way conversation where you and your teen share your thoughts and feelings.
6. Be open-minded. Be open to hearing your teen’s point of view, even if you disagree with it. If you can see things from their perspective, they will also be more likely to listen to your point of view.
7. There will be times when you and your teen will not see eye to eye on an issue. Try to reach an acceptable compromise for both of you when this happens.
8. Seek professional help if needed. If you are having difficulty communicating with your teen, or if there are serious issues that you cannot resolve on your own, seek professional help from a therapist or counselor specializing in parent-teen communication.