How To Deal With Your Teenager

21 Feb 2017 Bangalore, India

You should know how to ride a horse if you have to know how to manage a teenager. First, you have to put the reigns on, and you can’t just keep it tight, at times you have to let it lose. At the same, you can’t completely let go of the reigns. The trick is: don’t try to please them and don’t try to displease them. They are undergoing a very tough time emotionally and physically and you have to handle them very skillfully. The question is how?

#1 Give them space to share their feelings with you

There is an old saying in Sanskrit, “When your son or daughter turns sixteen, behave with them like a friend”. Don’t be their teachers, don’t tell them what to do or what not to do. Give them the space to share with you what is in their heart, and their problems. Be a friend who is at their level.
If you relate as a friend and not as a parent, they will open up to you. Then the gap gets bridged. Once the gap is bridged, love flows and communication happens. And once communication happens, virtually all the problems are solved.

#2 Share inspiring stories with them

It’s important to share with your teenager inspiring stories from time to time, without pushing them too much. It is also important to give them exposure to teenagers that have gone astray. You know, those who have gone astray are teaching you more than those who are walking straight. Tell your teenager gently, ‘See, that boy has gone through such a problem, you better be careful’.

#3 Without blaming them, make them understand

You need to be skillful when communicating with your teenager. With a lot of patience, without blaming them, make them understand. And when you need to, put your foot down and so ‘no’. It’s okay to make them upset sometime, don’t feel guilty about it. Later on, they will feel thankful towards you. They will appreciate the trouble you took by taking the blame and anger from them.

#4 Be ready to swallow the anger or frustration of your child

Mother, father and a teacher will have to swallow the anger of a child. You have to be ready to swallow their anger or frustration. Even if your child is very annoyed at you, you take it and you do what is good for them and not just what pleases them. Know that you will always find a way out!

 

Read earlier posts

  • September 23, 2019

    September 23, 2019
  • September 23, 2019

    September 23, 2019
  • September 23, 2019

    September 23, 2019
  • September 23, 2019

    7 Steps to Cope with Frustration

    November 23, 2018
    • In life you will have 101 reasons to get frustrated. However it is up to you keep the enthusiasm alive without allowing the frustration to seep in. Here are some pointers to help you keep frustration at bay.
  • May 1, 2018

    The Best Form of Donation

    April 28, 2018
    • It is important to donate at least 3 percent of what we earn - says Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. In this article he further talks about the best form of donation
  • Is Buddhism a Part of Hinduism

    April 25, 2018
    • It is often asked - Is Buddhism a part of Hinduism? Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar sheds light on the origin and similarity between the two religions

    The 5 Types of People

    April 23, 2018
    • A must read: There are 5 types of people in society - find out which type are you in this knowledge sheet by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

SUBSCRIBE