What to do when teenagers say hurtful things?
What to do when teenagers say hurtful things?
Here is a list of what not to do when your child says mean and hurtful things to you:
- Don’t Say Hurtful Things Back.
- Don’t Scream or Yell.
- Don’t Say “You can’t…”
- Don’t Try to Reason with Your Child in the Heat of the Moment.
- Don’t Punish or Give Big Consequences.
- Stay Calm.
- Be Aware of Your Nonverbal Communication.
Do teens know what to expect from their parents?
Teens might act unhappy about the expectations their parents place on them. Still, they usually understand and need to know that their parents care enough about them to expect certain things such as good grades, acceptable behavior, and sticking to the house rules. If parents have appropriate expectations, teens will likely try to meet them.
How do you control your teen’s out-of-line behavior?
Some parents, sensing a loss of control over their teens’ behavior, crack down every time their child steps out of line. Others avoid all conflict for fear their teens will push them away. You don’t have to do either of those things. It’s about finding a balance between obedience and freedom.
Do your parenting skills keep up with your teenager?
They’re a teen, or a tween — and it’s time to tweak your parenting skills to keep up with them. Yes, they’re probably moodier now than when they were young. And you have new things to think about, like curfews, dating, new drivers, and friends who make you raise your eyebrows.
How can I talk to my child about risky topics?
The teen years often are a time of experimentation, and sometimes that experimentation includes risky behaviors. Don’t avoid the subjects of sex and drug, alcohol, or tobacco use. Discussing tough topics openly with kids before they’re exposed to them actually makes it more likely that they’ll act responsibly when the time comes.