Collaborative post
Love your child as much as you can when they’re young, because it only happens once. Before you know it, they’ll be a sullen teenager who emanates an untameable stench of body odour, has more spots than a leopard, and seems to have the confused desire for independence while still wanting you to cook their dinner.
Such are the trials and tribulations of being a parent. You get used to having an infant round the house, then they’ve grown into a new, almost unrecognisable human being.
But no matter their age, you still need to look after your stroppy teen (even if they’d rather you didn’t). These bundles of hormones seem intent on acting against their own best wishes, and it’s up to you to corral them on the path to success despite themselves.
We’ve been thinking long and hard about this, and come up with a few ways to help you help your teen. Take a look and get informed.
1. Sort their teeth
Adult braces can be the bane of your life – not least of all because they cost a small fortune once you’re over the age of 18.
That’s why, whether they like it or not, getting a brace fitted for your teen is a prudent step.
Companies like the Portman Smile Clinic should be your first port of call when considering where to purchase. They provide near invisible teeth aligners and braces to give your child the treatment they need without the embarrassment of highly visible braces.
2. Give them the right advice – and don’t be squeamish
As a parent, you may have to have a lot of awkward conversations with your teenager.
But if you want to be a part of their life, you’ll have to tackle these subjects in a grown-up, matter of fact way that doesn’t alienate your teen. Once you’ve established yourself as someone who they can come to with their problems, the foundation of your relationship will remain strong.
3. Give them space
If there’s one thing a teenager doesn’t enjoy, it’s being crowded by their mum and dad. While you might want to hover over them to ensure they don’t get into trouble, doing so will likely push them away from you.
That doesn’t mean you take no interest in their lives, simply that you allow them to figure out what their lives are on their own every now and again. A teenager is starting to carve their own path. The hard job of a parent is to accept that you can’t always walk that path with them.
4. Make sure they study
The one point where intervention is necessary is in your teen’s studies. As they naturally grow more wayward, you’ll have to make sure they don’t start to flag on their school work. They’ll regret it in the future if they don’t get good grades, and it’s your job to make sure they knuckle down and get the best exam results they can.
That’s our list. How do you care for your teen? Let us know in the comments below!