Raising a teenager can be a challenging but rewarding experience, and it requires plenty of love and discipline if we want our kids to grow into well-rounded adults. Recently, one of our readers, whose teenage son has been acting out lately, messaged us for advice. The father of 2 devised a creative way to discipline his son when he was disrespectful, but afterward, he felt unsure about whether the punishment was too harsh.
Judging by the outcome, this lesson was well learned, and the father’s ingenious punishment was just what this teenager needed.
If you’re a parent who’s in a similar situation, here are a few other tips that can help:
Acting out is common in adolescence, but that doesn’t mean parents have to tolerate disrespect from their kids. However, the first thing they should do is try to understand things from their teens’ perspective. And communicate with them regularly about problems they might be facing and the changes they are going through.
Although teens might not be too keen to show it, they still need their parents’ care and time, maybe more than ever. Spending quality time and bonding with teenage children is very important.
Giving a few age-appropriate chores to kids can be an excellent way to involve them in the housework. It also teaches them responsibility and how to perform basic tasks needed in everyday life. Good chores for teenagers include washing the dishes, doing the laundry, or vacuuming.
Teenagers often go through a rebellious phase, but this doesn’t mean they don’t need any rules to follow. Setting up a clear set of rules, like a curfew, and explaining the consequences of not adhering to them can provide them with much-needed stability.
A while ago, we also published an article about a mom going through a difficult time with her son, who was ashamed of her. Check it out to learn the vital life lesson the parent taught her kid.