Photo by Katerina Holmes

Parenting 101 and Tools to Raise a Healthy Teenager by Robert Knapick is a handy guide on how to maintain a positive relationship with teenagers during their rebellious phase.

Parenting 101 and Tools to Raise a Healthy Teenager is a beautiful handbook for teaching parents how to engage with their teenage children properly. 

The text in the book reminds parents that children are dynamic, always changing, and constantly trying to rediscover themselves—and it is okay to find it challenging to keep up. It also has valuable advice that helps parents establish a moral compass and clear expectations for their children.

There should be consistency and firmness in parenting and a directness with which to help children cope with the stresses of life in a healthy way. Adolescence is a very peculiar stage. It is the time when teens act more erratically and rebelliously. It is the time when they need boundaries, positive role models, and the opportunity to refine their social skills.

It Should Run in the Family

For a parent, establishing and maintaining a positive relationship with their teenagers is crucial. If the connection is right, both parties’ emotional and mental well-being are improved. 

Thus, a parent must always strive to have strong and healthy engagements with their teenagers, which is built on trust, respect, and communication. These help to engender a sense of love and support from your teenager. The knowledge sustained belief that there are people out there who love them and will offer their support whenever and however can help teenagers cope with difficult situations and stabilize their minds and outlook on varying circumstances.

When people, especially teenagers, feel that they are in a safe place both mentally and physically, it is easier to develop a more nuanced sense of independence and autonomy while still having a positive relationship with their parents. 

Thus, it is imperative that parents invest the proper amount of time and effort to build a lasting and positive relationship with their teenage children. This ensures that both parties have the chance to thrive and reach their full potential. Having such a relationship also creates an atmosphere of openness and trust that is sorely needed if you want strong family ties to persist.

A Positive Relationship with Teenagers

Being a parent is challenging—and it only becomes harder once your child grows up into a teenager. When a teenager is already on the path to defining themselves, their relationship with them might become tenuous, and often, it feels as if they are communicating in totally different languages.

But, with patience, understanding, and some dedication on your part, building a strong and positive relationship with your teenager won’t just be a pipedream.

• Listening is a very important thing when trying to communicate with your teenager. Pay attention to what they’re saying, ask questions, and show that you understand their point of view. Avoid interrupting or dismissing their feelings and ideas, as this can make them feel unheard and shut down. At worst, they will bear heavy resentment towards you.
• Every teenager is going through a lot of changes, both physically and emotionally. It’s important to remember their struggles and make a point of acknowledging them and that you want to empathize. This helps them feel that they are heard and that their concerns are taken seriously, making them trust you more with their problems.
• While being empathetic and understanding with your teenager is essential, setting clear boundaries is also important. Tell them what behavior is acceptable and what isn’t, and be consistent with your expectations. You should also give them the opportunity to set their own boundaries as well. If they do, respect them and always try to work out problems instead of unilaterally deciding them yourself.
• Even if your teenager seems like they don’t want you around, it’s essential to stay involved in their life. Attend their school events, ask how their day was, and show an interest in their hobbies and interests. This helps them feel supported and loved and give you a better understanding of what’s going on in their life.
• Teenagers can be paranoid sometimes, so being open and honest with them is essential, even if it’s uncomfortable or difficult. This builds trust between you and your teenager, showing them that being vulnerable and honest with others is completely natural.
• As your teenager gets older, they will want more independence and autonomy. Respect this and give them space to make their own decisions. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t offer guidance or advice, but it does mean that you should let them take the lead when it comes to their own life.
• Teenagers can be moody, argumentative, and downright rude at times. That comes with the territory. So, it’s important to remember that this is often a phase and not personal. Be the adult. Stay calm and level-headed. Don’t let their behavior affect your mood or your desire to build a positive relationship with them.