Ways to Get Along With Your Teenager

Family/ Parenting - Teenagers

By: PriscillaBenfield     31-Dec-2010

Introduction:

Parenting a teen can be a challenge but there are ways to make life easier when you have a teen in your house. Here are some ways on how to get along with your teenager.

Mutual Respect

Just don't demand respect from your teen give respect as well. Treat your teen like the budding adult that he/she is and you will get along better.

Listen

Learn how to listen to what your teen is actually saying. Often feelings of insecurity are not verbalized as such. You need to know your teen and be able to know what they mean by what they are saying.

Grow a Thick Skin

Teenagers are desperate to move beyond being your little girl/boy. Often they say things they do not mean in order to assert their independence from you. Don't take it personally.

Remember Your Teen Years

Think back to how you felt when you were a teen. This can be very helpful in getting along with your teen. You may recognize some familiar emotions and behaviors if you can admit to once feeling them.

Think Before You Judge

Blue hair, piercings, taste in music and other typical teenage rebellion is just a phase. Certainly when you were a teen you went out of your way to be "different" too. Hair color fades, piercings can be removed and the band your teenager is obsessed with will be replaced with someone else. Unless their behavior is dangerous to themselves or others, sit back and ride it out. (do take lots of pictures though, they will be amusing to look at when your teen becomes an adult)





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Comments

  • snowfence 6/13/2011

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    Just left another H5!

  • LWCox 2/28/2011

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    And most of all be patient and know that "this, too, shall pass." We are almost done with those teenage years. Great tips--you know your stuff!

  • tracysmith159 2/28/2011

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    Ever time I see my teen thinking the whole world is horrid.. we sit and have a nice long talk. It seems to help.

  • snowfence 2/28/2011

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    You get a High five from me, too! Congrats on such a great article!

  • workhomeunion 2/28/2011

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    I have two teens so thanks for this list. Hi5!

  • JennyHeart 2/28/2011

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    Exceptional list!

  • Jennywrites 2/28/2011

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    Excellent list!! It is TOUGH to get along with them sometimes.. as is tough to get along with us :)

  • PajamaMommy 2/28/2011

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    Great advice. I am working on the thick skin thing now so I will be ready! LOL! Congrats, you deserve the front page!

  • ListMaker 2/28/2011

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    Still glad I didn't breed but a great resource for those who did and whose offspring are in those teen years.

  • ListingToTheLeft 2/28/2011

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    Ah yes, the dreaded teen years. Good ways to get along and stay connected.

  • JoyceTeresaMann 2/28/2011

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    Wise advice for parents of teenagers. I do, however, take exception to "the band your teenager is obsessed with will be replaced." After all these years I still love the Beatles! :) Congrats on being featured!

  • pbartelssc 2/28/2011

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    Congrats on your feature. Important tips on dealing with teens.

  • UponRequest 2/28/2011

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    Congrats on the feature. "Don't take it personally" was (in hindsight) the best advice I ever got.

  • bestmommy 2/28/2011

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    Thanks for a wondeful list on ways to get along with your teenager. We've got 2 at the moment...double trouble : )

  • AkbarTheTentmaker 2/28/2011

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    I'm proud of my kids. Flaws and all, at least they're not stoned.

  • ElaineChastain 2/28/2011

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    Excellent advice Priscilla, teens just want to grow up and all too quick at that. Love your thoughts on this topic.

  • jseven 2/28/2011

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    High 5 and congrats to you! Getting along with a teen is a major help in keeping them out of trouble.

  • IzzyDuncan 2/28/2011

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    Love teen photos! Not mine, but other people's photos!

  • litetender 2/28/2011

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    I agree ... excellent advice! I especially like the part about taking photographs to enjoy together at a later time! Congrats on the front page!

  • goodselfme 2/27/2011

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    Great list for parents to learn all about teens through your wisdom. Congratulations on the front page spot.

  • penelope7 2/27/2011

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    Teenage years are tough on the teen and the parent(s). Most of the time, neither knows what is going on. Teenagers seem to sulk but they're not, they are just beginning the bridge between being 'little' to growing up. Great list and congrats! H5

  • hummingbirdee 2/27/2011

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    Great list for dealing with teens. It can be a fun time for parents, especially if they follow this advice. Enjoy the front page!

  • Snakesmom 2/27/2011

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    Congrats on the front page (You deserve it girl)! These are all great tips for getting along during those trying teen years! H5!

  • MirandaGrimm 2/27/2011

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    Yay for the front page! Great read too! I always hear the teenage years are the hardest. I am dealing with potty training and nose picking right now. I am scared of the teenage years. I want my babies to be babies forever ;) High 5!

  • BonnieDossKnight 2/27/2011

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    Congrats on your well-earned front page article. Written with concern and caring for teens and parents. HI5

  • clewand550 2/27/2011

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    Excellent advice. I am a firm believer that you must respect them just as much as you expect respect. This list of 5 is perfect and necessary if you are trying to raise a teenager. Excellent job and congratulations on front page.


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