Teenage is the age when the mind works on its own. We don’t understand it most of the times. They think that we don’t even have the clue about their world. The end result is that parents often become distant to their teen age children. It may not be able to manage some of their emotions and behaviours but with your understanding of their brain you might be able to move away from the victim role and focus on how you can be a more effective parent. You can choose critical nagging parenting style. Work hard now you have the rest of your life to enjoy will only push them further into chaos. They might not be able to change their behaviour but you can change yours.

In the early years, children need their parents more as teachers to help them explore and learn about the world. However, by adolescence the parents need to become mentors. Claim back the power, spell out the boundaries and be consistent. Sit down and discuss the limits with your teenager. Give them choices, negotiate and if they do not follow through, go ahead and give reasonable consequences.

Hug them; listen to them without jumping in to criticize them, or to tell them that they were over-reacting. After they have finished their say, give them if any suggestions comes to your mind and don’t expect that it will be accepted and express confidence in the child’s ability to find a solution to his/her problems. Whenever the teenager had those rebellious moods, spend more time helping him/her if he/she seeks help or else respect privacy and talk about the problem when the child is in the mood.

It is the age when child’s body is changing and he/she is curious about it. Present them the factual information on issues like body changes or sex so that they don’t pick things from wrong sources like adult magazines or hear it from friends. Talk to them as friends so that they feel more comfortable with you on discussing their problems. Even if they are wrong in some areas, don’t criticize them but make them see the scenario the wrong would lead to. Tell them you will always love them no matter what you are there for them.
 
To be better parents, one need lots of courage to make a transition from the traditional role of provider and the dispenser of discipline to being sensitively involved and nurturing. Even the most dedicated of parents find the road with obstacles either because of a lack of set rules and guidelines, or because of career constraints and personal lifestyles. Admitting, the road to parenthood may be more confusing and open-ended than ever before, but for those willing to take the risk, the possibilities of connecting with your children are endless.