Positive parenting for teens: A guide for parents

Raising teenagers can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Teens need positive, caring adults to provide consistent support, guidance, praise, and encouragement. By supporting them as they mature, you allow teens room to develop their own sense of identity. This support is crucial as teens gradually gain confidence in their ability to make decisions, knowing they can still turn to you for advice. Encourage independence and responsibility through positive parenting for teens — let's explore how.  

Key takeaways: 

• Positive, caring adults provide essential support, guidance, praise, and encouragement to teens. 
• Communicate openly with your teen about their concerns and mental health. 
• Celebrate your teen's efforts and accomplishments. 
• Encourage problem-solving, good decision-making, and planning ahead. 
• Show respect for your teen's privacy and opinions. 
• Support physical health through involvement in extracurricular activities, proper nutrition, and exercise. 
• Limit screen time and encourage healthy sleep habits. 
• Emphasize the importance of family meals for better food choices and family bonding.   

 

Mental and emotional health 

Communication is key 

Open communication with your teen is fundamental. Talk with your teen about their concerns and pay attention to any changes in their behavior. Asking them if they have had suicidal thoughts, particularly if they seem sad or depressed, is crucial. This question will not cause them to have these thoughts, but it will let them know that you care about how they feel. If necessary, seek professional help. 

Celebrate their efforts 

Compliment your teen and celebrate their efforts and accomplishments. Positive reinforcement builds their self-esteem and encourages them to keep striving for their goals. Showing affection for your teen and spending time together doing things you enjoy can strengthen your bond and provide them with a sense of security. 

Problem-solving and decision-making 

Encourage your teen to develop solutions to problems or conflicts. Helping your teenager learn to make good decisions involves creating opportunities for them to use their own judgment, while also being available for advice and support. Discussing potential difficult or uncomfortable situations ahead of time, such as peer pressure scenarios involving drugs or alcohol, can prepare them to handle these situations effectively. 

Respect their privacy and opinions 

Respecting your teen's need for privacy is essential for building trust. Additionally, respecting their opinions and listening to them without playing down their concerns can help them feel valued and understood. 

 

Physical health 

Encourage extracurricular activities 

Show interest in your teen's school and extracurricular interests and activities. Encourage them to become involved in activities such as sports, music, theater, and art. These activities not only keep them physically active but also help them develop social skills and a sense of belonging. 

Volunteer and civic engagement 

Encourage your teen to volunteer and become involved in civic activities in the community. Volunteering can teach them empathy, responsibility, and the value of contributing to society. 

Responsible internet use 

If your teen engages in interactive internet media such as games, chat rooms, and instant messaging, encourage them to make good decisions about what they post and the amount of time they spend on these activities. Setting limits on screen time and developing a family media plan can help manage their online activities. 

Healthy lifestyle habits 

Encourage your teen to get enough sleep and exercise, and to eat healthy, balanced meals. Physical activity can be integrated into their daily routine through team sports, individual sports, or helping with household tasks like mowing the lawn, walking the dog, or washing the car. 

Family meals 

Meal time is very important for families. Eating together helps teens make better choices about the foods they eat, promotes a healthy weight, and gives family members time to talk with each other. This practice can strengthen family bonds and provide an opportunity to discuss any issues or concerns. 

Sleep hygiene 

Make sure your child gets the recommended amount of sleep each night: for teenagers 13–18 years of age, this is 8–10 hours per 24 hours (including naps). Adequate sleep is crucial for their overall health and well-being. 

 

Encouraging independence and responsibility 

As your teen grows, they need opportunities to develop independence and responsibility. This includes making their own decisions, taking on more responsibilities at home, and learning to manage their time and resources effectively. 

Working teens 

If your teen works, use the opportunity to talk about expectations, responsibilities, and other ways of behaving respectfully in a public setting. Working can teach them valuable life skills such as time management, financial responsibility, and interpersonal communication. 

 

Building a supportive environment 

Creating a supportive environment at home is key to helping your teen navigate these formative years successfully. This involves being a consistent source of support and guidance, while also allowing them the space to grow and develop their own identity. 

Consistent support and guidance 

Teens need to know that they can turn to you for advice and support. Being a reliable source of guidance helps them feel secure and valued. Encourage open communication and be available to listen to their concerns without judgment. 

Encouragement and praise 

Consistently praise your teen for their efforts and accomplishments. Positive reinforcement encourages them to keep striving for their goals and boosts their self-esteem. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, to show that you are proud of their achievements. 

Practical tips for positive parenting 

1. Be Present: Spend quality time with your teen. This shows them that you value and care about their well-being. 
2. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish clear rules and expectations. Consistent boundaries help teens feel secure and understand what is expected of them. 
3. Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where your teen feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Listen actively and empathetically. 
4. Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage physical activity, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep. Model these behaviors yourself. 
5. Monitor Media Use: Set limits on screen time and monitor your teen's online activities. Encourage responsible internet use. 
6. Foster Independence: Allow your teen to make their own decisions and take on responsibilities. Provide guidance but avoid overprotecting them. 
7. Stay Involved: Be involved in your teen's school and extracurricular activities. Show interest in their hobbies and support their endeavors. 
8. Teach Problem-Solving: Help your teen develop problem-solving skills. Encourage them to come up with solutions to conflicts and challenges. 
9. Respect Their Privacy: Give your teen space to grow and respect their need for privacy. Trust is built through mutual respect. 
10. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your teen's efforts and accomplishments. This boosts their confidence and motivates them to keep striving for success. 

 

Conclusion 

Raising a teenager requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to positive parenting practices. By providing consistent support, guidance, praise, and encouragement, you help your teen develop into a confident and responsible adult. Remember, your role as a parent is to be a source of strength and guidance while allowing your teen the space to grow and develop their own identity. 

 By incorporating these positive parenting tips into your daily routine, you can create a supportive and nurturing environment for your teen. This approach not only helps them navigate the challenges of adolescence but also lays the foundation for a healthy and successful future. 

 

The BeWell Behavioral and Mental Health Program at Sanitas 

If you have concerns about your teen's mental or physical health, don't hesitate to seek professional help. At Sanitas Medical Center, we offer comprehensive support and services to help your family navigate the challenges of adolescence.  Call 1-844-665-4827 to book an appointment today to ensure your teen gets the care and guidance they need to thrive.