Dealing with teenage behaviour

1. Create understanding rather than fear. Control yourself not the child

Creating fear in a child, to stop them from repeating what they did may not completely stop them. They will still want to do it again. If you explain to them why “what they did” was wrong or inappropriate, there’s a higher chance of them not wanting to do it again. During this engagement understanding on both sides should be encouraged. The parent also needs to understand why their child did what they did by allowing their child to explain their point of view.

2. Allow Autonomy

Children strive for independence throughout their childhood. Give them the power and responsibility to make their own decisions and make good choices

3. Don’t compare

Comparing children to others will encourage them to behave more defensively, resent their actions or themselves and lose self-confidence. Allow them to own their actions and don’t associate their behaviours with other children.

4. Don’t shame your child

Discussing your children’s behaviour to others in front of them is not an effective way to express your concern, rather have this discussion in private. Children don’t need to be reprimanded multiple times about the same incident by other individuals.

5. Focus on their good qualities

Nobody likes to be told that they’re wrong however constructive criticism can lead to self-reflection and behaviour change. Give more attention to your child’s good qualities rather than focusing on their faults.