Teenage parenting

Dr. Ranjit Agarwala
PEDIATRICS SPECIALIST

Monitoring a teenager is a very delicate part of parenting. Sometimes it’s a nightmare foe parents.

Too much monitoring will send the message of distrust, too less monitoring will deprive him of protection and guidance in making safe decisions about behavior and relationships.

Trust is the key to finding a balance. Teenagers need privacy for themselves and secrecy goes along with the development of independence which is normal. Extreme secrecy , however can be a red-flag sign which should be ruled out. Open communication and building trust with teenagers will be helpful to balance the monitoring.

Monitoring a teenager without engrossing to his personal space needs sensibility and discretion. Some of the tips are given here:

Dos

Knock before you enter his room
Ask permission before looking to his personal belongings.
Make ground rules. You need to know when he is coming back after his Saturday night party or from friends get together. Do not asked him personal questions such as who he danced with, etc.
Be consistent with ground rules. Teenagers need to know that parents are not pushovers.
Stay connected with trust. Invite his friends at your home, give space, and communicate with parents of his friends.
Discuss about your concerns openly with him if required.

Avoid

Listening to his conversations on the phone secretly.
Going through his diary or phone.
Communicating with him on social media.
Calling him relentlessly to ascertain his location when he is out of house.

To read more blogs – Click here