Parenting Your Teenagers: Making Them Obey Your Rules

Parents would agree that the most difficult time for parenting is the occasion when children become adolescents. Children, who were previously "well-behaved", become "difficult" as they grow up. The reason for such is the adolescent's rapidly developing physical and psychological systems. As they mature, they change in a faster pace and they often obtain a different mindset as they struggle to have a sense of identity. Parents must realize this context in taking care of their adolescent children and must adjust their parenting style accordingly to respond.

These are some general tips for parents on how they can make their teenagers obey rules. It is however emphasized, that parents must take into consideration their particular home environment and children's temperament. Children must not be boxed in rigid rules, and must be allowed to develop their own identity.

1. Accept your children. A big source of disappointment among parents is their stubborn clinging to old ideas about their children. Throwing out those old conceptions about your children and accepting their changes would contribute a great deal towards diffusing tensions in your home.

2. Set rules and make those rules understood. It is important that your children understand your rules. Try to talk to them and set basic rules about their behavior. Acquaint them with the consequences of disobeying rules. Try to strike a balance between being too strict and too lax.

3. Explain to your children. Adolescents would never understand if they are just given rules and asked to follow without question. Their questions must be entertained, and parents must be patient enough to explain to them. It is important to remember that adolescents have developing mindsets and would tend to question a lot to make their world more understandable.

4. Be their partner and their parent. Adolescents appreciate if their parents take the initiative to understand their plight. Allow them to venture out, yet give them reminders. Set rules, but prepare to be flexible. Be authoritative, but understanding.

5. Reward your adolescent. Give them rewards for good behavior. These may not be monetary or material. It could consist of letting them party their Friday night away or letting them play the computer a little longer. Rewards increase the chance for repeating desirable behavior. Just don't spoil your kids; give them only one reward per good behavior.

The puberty stage of your children could be an exciting time for parenting and showing them your support. Allow them to actualize their own identity and show them your unconditional love.