The adolescent years can be a trying time for parents and adolescents alike. Adolescence is an awkward stage–a time of confusing transition between childhood and adulthood. As adolescents experience significant physical and emotional changes, they’re also tasked with the challenge of building their identity.
Adolescence is marked by confusion and insecurity, often acted out as withdrawal, anger, ambivalence, low self-esteem or frustration. During this time, it’s important that adolescents feel free to vent these emotions at home. Without this opportunity for expression, they may act out at school, at home or with friends.
It’s normal for adolescents to want to distance themselves from their family in attempt to gain acceptance from peers and to question the values and standards of family and society. As adolescents distance themselves, parents often express concern by wanting to be close to their adolescent, which creates conflict and tension.
Just as adolescents feel insecure, parents feel insecure as well. Many parents wonder if their child is prepared for the temptations and challenges ahead. When conflicts arise, parents feel angry, frustrated, anxious and inadequate. As a parent, adolescence can be difficult to navigate, but here are six tips to help you build a better relationship during your child’s adolescent years.