They said that being an adult can be such a difficult thing, but then again, most people, as well as some experts, believe that being a teenager is actually way more difficult than being an adult.
It is known to be a stage wherein people would start identifying who they are and what they want. It can be really confusing for some especially when they aren’t exactly surrounded by family and friends who are guiding and supporting them. Which is why it is very important for you as a parent to make sure that your children know that you are there for them.
There may be times that they would get so confused and wouldn’t exactly know what they want. The only thing they know is that they need help. Asking for help may be a lot for them especially if they don’t know what they want, so it is your job to help figure it out.
Reassurance
Your teen is obviously distressed about something, and it is actually worse when they don’t exactly know what they need or what they want. This is the perfect opportunity for you to give them reassurance. Letting them know that you are there for them no matter what happens is very important, this way they would realize how they are actually not alone.
This would also make them more comfortable in being open with you as long as you don’t exactly force them to figure out what they want or what they need. As a parent, you would know exactly how difficult it is being a teenager, but you must also keep in mind that your generation is much different than yours.
There may be great lessons that you have learned as a teen that can be helpful for your child, but not all of them would apply since they must learn their own lessons. You as their parent must be there to be with them and always be ready to pick them up when they fall.
Let Them Relax and Sleep
One of the most common reasons why teens can’t seem to think clearly and have a hard time figuring out things on their own is that they are actually way too stressed that they are not getting enough sleep.
Most parents would think that this generation, teens spend way too much time using technology that messes up with their sleeping pattern. What most parents don’t realize is that there are tons of times teens need to use technology for school, and that school itself could already be stressful for them. Tons of projects, homework, and exams could be a lot. Tech could be their way of relaxing even if it is not exactly good to have too much of it.
Which is why it is best to let your teen know that there are other ways to relax and that is getting enough sleep or by doing other relaxing things such as reading or take them out and spend time with them on weekends.
Through Expression
Another great way for teens to be able to figure themselves out is by expressing it. If your teen loves to read and write, why not give them a journal so they could write their thoughts and feelings every single day, that way they could re-read it an analyze the things they should do or should’ve done. If your teen loves art then why not give them some supplies for painting or any other kind of craft, teens who can’t exactly express their thoughts through words may find a way to do it through art.
Listen
Last but definitely not the least is by letting your teen know that you are there to listen to them. Some teens may think that they don’t know what they want but the truth is that, they can’t just figure out how they would actually tell you whatever it is that is bothering them.
Teens are often scared of judgment especially coming from their own parents, which is why it is very important for you as a parent to make sure that you let your teen know you have an open mind at all times, and that you would not judge whatever it is that they will have to say. This fear wouldn’t go away if they know they might get in trouble for saying something you don’t want to hear, and this may create a gap in your relationship.