Modifying Parenting Approach Helps Frustrated Parents of Teenagers

Adolescence is a challenging time of transition for teenagers and parents. As children enter their teen years, parents must modify their parenting approach.

"Adolescents begin questioning the rules," said Dr. Liza Bonin, a clinical psychologist in the Learning Support Center at Texas Children's Hospital. "When this occurs, parents tend to react negatively because they no longer have the same level of authority."

In addition to being rebellious, teenagers are developing cognitive skills and beginning to think about possibilities. During this developmental stage, parents have influence but not control, which means they need to work hard to maintain a positive parent-child relationship and instill values, not just rules.

Listening to teenagers with warmth and empathy and expressing a genuine interest can help. Although the parent-child relationship changes during adolescence, parents should remain consistent in applying discipline and emphasizing the consequences of their children's actions.

- Courtesy of Texas Children's Hospital

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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