It is quite common for a teenager to have a rebellious attitude, in fact, it is one more part of their development. Although of course, as a father or mother, it is quite annoying to be in constant conflict with your children or to have them rebel against you. But all is not lost, because you can face these situations with some measures that will make the road easier for everyone.
This is how you can deal with a rebellious teenager
Here are some tips that will come in handy to help you deal with the your teen’s rebelliousness, your home will become a more peaceful place!
Keep Calm
Teenagers are still kids. Don’t panic if You see no reason for their rebellion. Stay calm and use a courteous tone to ask what they think. Show non-aggressive body language, express yourself with respect, empathy, and show genuine concern in your voice.
Set appropriate limits
Punishments don’t work the same way than when your child was younger. A teen can be aggressive and may even deliberately try to do the wrong thing to show defiance.
Don’t hit a teen, lock him in a room, or keep him from eating his favorite food as punishment… It is better to use consequences to be able to agree on good behavior and carry them out if it is not fulfilled.
Have respectful conversations
You too have gone through adolescence and it is more than You probably remember that your behavior was not always the most appropriate…Think about how your parents would think and how you thought at that stage of your life. This will help you know how to manage your child’s rebellious stage.
Reduce authoritative sentences and use more reflective sentences, for example:
- Authoritative phrase: “I am your father and I know what is best for you.”
- Reflective phrase: “I am your father and my experience makes me know more about life, let me give you my opinion on that.”
A combination of nonchalant language and calm tone can help soften the rebellious teen.
Explain your intentions
Your child will not understand your rules unless you explain the reasons behind them. For example, if you forbid If your child attends late-night parties, you have to tell them that you’re doing it because you’re afraid that place is a place to drink and smoke or do risky activities, and even take drugs.
Follow the conversation and explains how these habits can have a negative impact tive in the life of the adolescent, and also in families. You can use examples you know if necessary. Your teen can better understand the logic behind rules and instructions if you respectfully explain that you know the negative consequences of doing things that are wrong. The most important thing is to take some time to listen to their perspective on the situation.
Win-win
Talk to your teen about limits, this doesn’t mean you have to give in to their demands. Always find a solution to the problem and come up with a plan that works for both of you. You can say words like: “Okay, I’ll let you go on the field trip with your friends but with conditions”.
This will help the teen to feel satisfied and not feel that you are ordering things, but you are reaching the best agreement for everyone. Similar to raising a young child, teens feel more in control when given choices.
Take a systematic, step-by-step approach to rebellion of the adolescent, where you have time to defuse the situation and have space to listen, is the best way to improve the relationship. It is necessary that you do not lose control of the situation so that you are all well.
Has he left the hands?
There are some signs that the rebellious attitude has exceeded some limits. These signs are:
- Prolonged display of disruptive activities and aggression towards parents or other family members.
- Change in attitude. Less interaction with family members.
- Always giving short, rude answers.
- Defiance in public or deliberately doing things even if you ask them not to.
- Don’t be shy about engaging in risky behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol use.
Talk to your child using the steps above and use your intuition. If your teen’s behavior starts to worry you, then don’t hesitate to see your doctor or a psychologist. Although the ideal is not to have to reach that point and take sufficient measures to avoid unpleasant situations.