Page 5 - Ohio Family Magazine Aug13

Parenting Teenagers: things is necessary and helps them to figure
out who they are. As long as the activity is not
Tips On Starting detrimental to them or anyone else, let them
try a new sport, club, or other extracurricular
hobby.
High School Support them in their decision, even if you
know in the long run they will not participate
next year. Give them the opportunity to find
out for themselves if they enjoy certain activ-
by Aurelia Williams ities. Remind them that family is something
that will always be there for them. They are
eenagers all over the world will take the but know how to back off when necessary so moving away from you as a parent but not
Tleap from child to young adult this fall they can figure things out for themselves. Let disconnecting with the family completely and
as they enter High School for the first time. them know that you trust them to make their that’s ok.
This milestone brings a variety of feelings own decisions and that you are always there Set Routines and Limits
and emotions. They are beginning four of the should they get stuck and need a Yes, they may be growing up, but they
most difficult, yet most memorable years of helping hand from someone aren’t adults yet. Even teenagers need rou-
their lives. If you think you are anxious and they trust. tines and limits. It will help to make the tran-
scared, try being your teen. Show them in ways other sition to high school easier on both of you if
Here are a few tips on how to make the best than saying things such as, you make limits together before the first week
of this stressful and confusing time in your “I’m here if you want to of school. Sit down and tell your child what
teenager’s life. talk.” It’s not always easy your expectations are and really listen to their
Be Open and Understanding for a teenager to start up a se- expectations of you as well. Settle on certain
Realize that your teen is going to be rious conversation, especially guidelines and routines that make both of you
stressed and irritable for the first few weeks with Mom or Dad. There happy with the end result. This not only puts
of their freshman year. There are many things are times when you your mind at ease, but will also show your
that can contribute to your teen’s moodiness need to get creative. teen that you acknowledge that they are
or withdrawn state. They are experiencing nu- Depending on your capable of making sound decisions
merous changes in their life; all at the same teen that may mean and taking other’s considerations
time. Just like when you are pushed to your writing a letter or into account.
max with stress, your teen may experience taking them shop- High school can be a trying
headaches, stomachaches, or sleepiness. They ping and talking time. Share in the good times and
need time and space to figure it all out in their about what’s go- be there to lean on for the bad.
own mind. Be patient and give them the time ing on in their life. Before you know it, you’ll be
catching that cap and tassel at your
they need to sort things out for themselves. Be Supportive teen’s graduation.
Be Available and Reassuring and Loving
They may be young adults with a need to Your teenager is no
Aurelia Williams resides in
start making more decisions on their own longer the “big dog” Washington, D.C. with her husband, three
and taking on more responsibility, but that at school, but instead a children, and younger brother. Aurelia’s
doesn’t mean that they are full blown adults “newbie”. They may popular “Parenting My Teen” podcast is a
with minds that can handle all the stress and have a difficult time program featuring some of the country’s
pressure of taking on those tasks. Reassure fitting in; therefore, leading experts in parenting and the teenage
them that you are there when they need you the need to try new years. Visit her at www.reallifeguidance.com
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www.ohiofamilymagazine.com August 2013 • OFM 5