Parenting Teenage Boys

 

                Parenting teenage boys especially Z boys is a major challenge for current parents, it requires more patience and empathy as well as self-compassion. Due to various external factors teens are experiencing more loneliness, depression and anxiety, but neither ready to take help from parents nor seeking help from others. It is adolescent 

    Understanding Teenage Boy Behavior and the teenage brain

                Parenting Teenage Boys is easier when parents familiar with the process of adolescent development. Teenage boy behavior is largely controlled by hormonal and neurological changes during the teenage age (i.e. 16 to 18 years age).  Their brain is still developing, hence their judgement and decision making skills doesn't develop until 20s. Often parents find it difficult to manage teenage boys during these years. 

Let's discuss possible solutions or inputs to parents to handle teenage boys

  Creating clear limits and consequences for your teenage son:

• Set clear limits with agreed boundaries between parents and teen boys. The rules should mutually be agreed to build safe place and keeping harmony in the family 
• Agree on consequences if rules are broken 
• Avoid severe punishment as it can make things worse. Teenage boys may feel rejected and resentful

    How to deal with Teenage Son's attitude?

        

        It is important for parents not to take their teenage boys behavior personally. For teenage boys anger is a default emotion because of the way teenage or young boys are socialized. It is easier for them to show anger than showing other emotions such as fear or sorrow. As a parent it is important to get underneath that difficult behavior. Many times it is difficult to understand the reason for their behavior, but things go better when parents remain warm, open and supportive during this difficult phase. 

    How to communicate better with teens?

    Often, teenage boys find it difficult to put their emotions into words. Many teenage boys hesitant to talk to share their feelings, as a parent one should find a way to start the conversation. 

    

• Keep it short and sweet: If you have something you need your teen to know, offer series of clear points. Subsequently let him respond to each.
• Don't overdo the eye contact 
• Talk while you are on action: Many teen boys find it easier to when they do some activity, it could be playing together, while driving or having dinner together
• Stay Calm: It is important for parents to control emotions when handling teenage boys, don't let your emotions burst rather stay calm irrespective how worst the situation could be. Showing anger or frustration further make things worse, as a result he will less likely come to you for support
• Give him time to process: Many teenage boys need few hours or days to think about important conversations. So don't be disappointed if your teen doesn't change his behavior or attitude right away. Let him take the information and process it in his own time. 

    To conclude, positive parenting by trusting and supportive relationship are proven to boost teen mental health thus help them heal better and faster in dealing with any difficult situation in life. Healthy teen-parent connection helps teenage boys grow strong, independency young man.  No matter what show unconditional love, support to teenage boys to deal with the situation better.

    In addition it is important for parents to selfcare, continue discuss with other parents going through similar situation. Find time to do activities one likes to come out of mental pressure, spend quality time with friends to strengthen your resilience. Don't hesitate to take help from a family councilor or physiatrist as needed. 

Ref: How to Deal with Your Teenage Son - The Ultimate Guide