Parents know all too well the angsty outbursts, change in attitude and sudden mood swings that are the side-effects of raising teenagers. It takes every ounce of restraint and composure in their arsenal to say the right thing, treat them the correct way and raise them to be good human beings. It can get even tougher for moms and dads who are currently quarantined at home with teens. While school, projects and activities would usually kept their off-spring busy, their schedule has changed completely. Every hour of their day is spent within the 4 walls and the new circumstances have left them frustrated, lethargic and restless. We can practically see parents nodding their head in approval.
However, it's possible to create a positive atmosphere at home which doesn't result in squabbles every couple of hours. Dr. John Coleman, Psychologist at Family Links says, "The more parents and adults can understand what teenagers feel and are going through, the easier it's going to be. The experiences of change; losing school, not being with your friends in the way you'd expect, can feel absolutely catastrophic and so it's important for parents to understand that."
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These parenting tips can help moms and dads deal with their teens during the Coronavirus quarantine at home.
1. Set Routine
Says Dr. John, "Some of the hormone variation happening to teenagers and the changes happening in their brain; routine can help manage that variation and the emotional turmoil that goes on." Set a routine for their day so they can work smoothly through it without any hitches and gain a sense of normalcy.
2. Make It Theirs
"Whatever circumstances they are in, it's important that in some sense, it is theirs because it also helps routine," recommends Dr. John. No teenager likes to feel like everything is completely out of their control. On a global level that may be true so when it comes to their personal lives, let them exercise their own decision-making powers.
(Also Read: Why Do So Many Parents Miss To See Their Child's Obesity?)
3. Relax The Rules
This being a different situation, one cannot expect young adults to follow the same rules they usually would. "There's no question that normal rules need to be relaxed. We have to recognise that young people must have some way to have a social life and use up the social energy they have," he says.
4. Give Responsibility.
It's a great time for teenagers to learn responsibility, a skill that they will need throughout their lives. Give them chores and duties to learn their way around the house. Dr John says, "It's important for teenagers to feel that they do have a role, they have a responsibility. You're asking them to step up in this very difficult situation, that's a good message for young people."
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(Also Read: How To Motivate Older Kids Without Using Rewards, Punishment Or Fear. (No, Really.))
