LOVE THEM NO MATTER WHAT10 Tips for Parents of Adolescents

1. Their world is different to yours

How your parents did it for you may or may not be right for them

2. It IS a big deal

Dont trivialise what they are going through. Everything that happens to them is big, often new and unsettling.

3. Sleeping in is normaland so is vagueness, wanting privacy being non-communicative

Brain, body, hormones, school, friendships, choices all of this is happening at ONCE

4. Pick your battles

We are often daggy and embarrassing for them. Will some of what you are wanting them to do really matter in 10 years time?

5. Help them stay ALIVE

Boundaries are important so is negotiation and consequences. Remember most young people turn out Ok. Yours will too.

6. We learn from mistakes so do they

Allow them to discover their own consequences. You will probably never know everything they get up to. Making mistakes and learning from them is part of building resilience.

7. They are each individual

They are not the same as their siblings older or younger, nor your parents, partner, spouse, or even grandparents or great aunts and uncles. They are more than features of their genetics. They are unique.8. Trust yourself

Most parents do just fine however if in doubt get help, guidance, supprt.

9. Focus

Be the best role model you can be. They may not admire you now but they will later. Let them see and know how you manage your life.

10. Get help early

There will be times you will need support for yourself, for them, for your family. This is all part of the journey called life.

Reach out to:Your GPSpecialised youth servicesSocial workers, psychologists, counsellors experienced with adolescents.Parentline

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