Cindy Gullo, LCPC - Therapist & Counselor
The Blog

Raising A Responsible Teen

Every teenager is different, and there are various ways through which you can raise a teen. Parenting is not an easy job, and there is no derived formula which guarantees responsible and well-behaved teenagers. Excellent parents may still have problematic teens, and broken homes may produce the finest of people. However, being involved in the life of your teen will help you in raising responsible teenagers. If you are struggling with parenting, here are a few ways to which you can be on the right track:

Be Compassionate

It is important to communicate with your teen and express your love for them each day. Teenagers may not resonate the same warmth, but it’s a temporary phase that will soon vanish. Sooner or later in life, they would realize your importance and appreciate you for loving them regardless.

Set Boundaries

While it is important to be compassionate towards your children, it is also important to set boundaries and limits. Adolescence is a time of learning independence and making decisions. Boundaries are needed so teenagers can make their own decisions but within reason.

Keep Them Involved

It is important to keep teenagers busy in things of their likings. For instance, getting them in involved in sports or clubs can help them improve their interpersonal skills and also make them better and socially responsible individuals. The experiences they gain when they deal with challenging situations makes them a better version of who they are.

Keep Them Family-Oriented

Teenagers require a sense of belonging, an anchor they can hold onto in difficult times. Therefore, it is important for you as a parent to become an anchor making it easier for your teen to look up to you. Simple acts have a huge impact on your teen’s well-being. Make it a point to have your meals together.

Require Them To Take Part In Household Chores

While teens might hate this the most, but it is essential to involve them in your household chores and errands. This gives them accountability, responsibility and teaches them skills to prepare them for adulthood.