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Show interest in your teenager's activities and friends.
Talk openly, honestly, and respectfully with your teenager.
Set clear limits and expectations.
Know what's going on at school and after school.
Teach your teenager how to safely avoid violence.
As teenagers are testing their new independent roles, it's not an easy time for parents. But if teens don't get love, security, and a feeling of safety from their family, they might look elsewhere, even toward friends who are a bad influence, such as gang members. One of the best ways parents can help their teenagers stay safe is to
It's important to understand some of the typical behaviors and feelings of teenagers, even if your teenager thinks you don't!
New ways of doing things.
The present, with little interest in the future. With maturity, the future becomes more important.
Feel awkward and believe they don't fit in.
Behave childishly when stressed.
Role models for themselves.
To be capable and needed.
Homework completion and school progress
How many nights out each week, and how late
After-school activities or jobs
Allowance or money
Safety in and around motor vehicles
You have specific reasons for deciding to change what was agreed to. You aren't simply giving up because your teen didn't follow the rules.
Good communication—talking and listening—with your teenager may be the most important part of your relationship.
Since teens are forming their own identity and testing limits, some conversations may lead to disagreements and become uncomfortable. Your goal is to have open, respectful, and honest conversations. Teens need to feel loved and that their point of view is respected, even when you disagree.
Positive communication gives teenagers a chance to:
Learn how to talk honestly and respectfully with others, even when they disagree.
Feel more confident in discussing their needs and feelings.
Know that a positive attitude can keep them safe and out of fights.
No matter what your teen's interest—sports, music, clothing, TV, video games, friends, school—ask questions and learn what's going on.
Mealtimes are good times to talk and listen.
"I'm sorry" are very powerful words for a teenager to hear from parents.
"You seem upset about your relationship with
Teenagers are great at saying or doing things that annoy their parents. Take time to think about your responses and decisions to your teen's requests.
Know that you may hear something with which you disagree. Avoid statements like, "That's stupid." or "You're wrong." Try saying, "I hear you, but this is how I see it..."
If the phone rings, don't answer it. It also is difficult to talk while doing other things, like watching TV.
"Is there something I can do to help?"
Yelling, threatening, blaming, and name-calling can only make matters worse. Sometimes teens just don't want to talk with their parents.
The most common time for teenagers to get into trouble is between 2:00 and 6:00 pm. If not supervised, this is often when teens fight, use drugs, and have sex.
Carrying a weapon makes people feel bold, leading to foolish behaviors. Carrying a weapon gives a false sense of protection and makes your teen less safe.
Most young people hurt in fights have been fighting with someone they know. Teach your child how to resolve problems without fighting. Your example is the best way for your child to learn this.
Let your teen know that it is more important to know how to walk away from a fight than how to win one, and that it is possible to stand up for yourself without fighting.
Often teenagers who get into a fight are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sometimes fighting is the only choice they know.
Find out what caused the fight. This helps avoid future fights. Did it start with an argument? An insult? Was it revenge? Did it result from being robbed? Getting jumped?
Listen to the whole story. Try not to interrupt, scold, judge, or problem solve. Just listen.
Being hurt in a fight can be scary and embarrassing. It's important to pay attention to your teen's feelings.
Your teen may need help if you notice any of the following warning signs:
Not talking, or a change in communication style
Feeling down most of the time—losing interest in friends or activities
Change in school performance, skipping school, or maybe even dropping out
Trouble with the law
If you or your teenager needs help, please contact your pediatrician.
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