PARENTING

Adolescence can be a confusing time of change for teens and parents alike. But while these years can be difficult, there's plenty you can do to nurture your teen and encourage responsible behavior. Helping an adolescent become a caring, independent, and responsible adult can be challenging and our therapists at Kennedy Counseling can help guide and teach you essential parenting skills. Giving positive attention and showing love, setting reasonable expectations, setting rules and consequences, and setting a positive example are all essential parenting skills.

If you are struggling with your teen or need help with a specific issue please reach out to our therapists for guidance. Meanwhile keep in mind that positive attention is a must for teens. Spend time with your teen to show him or her that you care. Listen to your teen when he or she talks, and respect your teen's feelings and do not assume that your teen knows how much you love him or her.

If your teen doesn't seem interested in bonding, keep trying. Regularly eating meals together might be a good way to connect. Better yet, invite your teen to prepare the meal with you. On days when you're having trouble talking to your teen, consider each doing your own thing in the same space. Being near each other could lead to the start of a conversation.

Teens learn how to behave by watching their parents. Your actions generally speak louder than your words. Show your teen how to cope with stress in positive ways and be resilient. Be a good model and your teen will likely follow.