I don't recognize my teenager anymore!
Navigating adolescence can be a challenge for parents, especially when their child's behavior seems strangely different. However, it is crucial to understand this phase and support your teenager with empathy and patience.
To remember
👉Adolescence is a period of profound change, so it's important to be understanding and patient.
👉Maintain dialogue with your teenager, listen to them carefully and without judgment.
👉Encourage your teenager's autonomy while setting clear limits and assuring them of your support.
Understanding disconcerting changes
It can't be stressed enough: adolescence is a time of profound transformation, where young people build their identity and explore their independence. If your teen is no longer behaving the way they used to, try not to panic. Changes, even sudden ones, may stem from a need to stand out or to discover themselves.
Be attentive to these signs without immediately seeing them as a crisis. Take the time to discuss with your child the reasons for these changes and make yourself available to understand the challenges they are going through.
💡Read our article: Adolescence, an emotional and cognitive tsunami.
Listening and maintaining dialogue
Open and honest communication is essential to maintaining the bond between you and your child. Find opportune moments to talk, without distractions, and let them know that you are there to act together if needed.
During these discussions, the goal is to create a space for dialogue where the teenager will feel comfortable expressing themselves: for example, you can bring up something that interests them, their friends, school... But above all, prioritize active listening and avoid hasty conclusions and judgments.
Encouraging autonomy and responsibility
Your teenager is looking for autonomy and it is crucial to respect this desire while setting clear limits. Trust them (and tell them!), invite them to participate in decision-making so that they develop a sense of responsibility while knowing that they can count on you in case of difficulties.
The experiences your child is going through are steps towards independence, and even if they seem disconcerting, they are part of the natural process of growing up.
When to seek outside help?
Some behaviors may require special attention. If you notice persistent sadness, sleep or eating disorders, or behaviors that are dangerous to your child or those around them, it is time to seek professional help.
Listening and an outside perspective can offer new perspectives and help maintain a healthy relationship with your teen. Do not hesitate to consult as soon as you feel that the situation is beyond your ability to manage: the ultimate goal is to see your child flourish and go through this phase successfully.
