Parenting Tips - How to Keep an Open Mind With Your Teenager

Parenting teenagers is extremely hard-work, that's why learning how to keep an open mind with your teenager is so important. Most parents have failed miserably at meeting their teenagers in the middle. Just because Facebook, MySpace, and sex bracelets didn't exist when you were growing up, doesn't give you a hall pass. It's clear that lots of parents are suffering from generational and technological gaps; still effective face-to-face communication is the key to being a better parent.

Remember not to yell, teenagers hate it when a parent yells and then realizes it (feels bad), is nice for the next ten or fifteen minutes and then starts yelling again.

I just gave you a straightforward example of ineffective communication; it even confused me for a second! STOP sending mixed messages to your children! Teenagers growing up in what's now being called the YouTube generation have already been exposed to issues older parents just cannot relate too. I strongly suggest that you level the playing field and learn how to speak their language - speak teenager. This basically means developing a unique parenting style that enables you to hear what they are saying.

Parenting Tips - How to Keep an Open Mind With Your Teenager

In my opinion this is hands-down the biggest mistake that parents make when trying to discipline a teenager. Never ever compare your childhood experiences. Saying things like, "Why can't you be more like I was when I was your age?" Allow your teenager some space to make his or her own mistakes - they have a lot to deal with such as living above the influence, sex/std, dating, prom, college, and let's no forget the gossip.

If your teen does something wrong, speak your peace, dish out the punishment, and move on. Most of the time s/he knows s/he is wrong, and wants to admit it. There is no sense of going on and on about what your teenager did wrong - it'll only flare up into a bigger argument.

Make some time for your baby. You probably have no idea what your teen is like outside the house. Learn to listen, the teenage years is when a child discovers life for him/herself and that's never easy.

Always be there. Drop everything you are doing and try to help. Teens like to know they have parents that care.

Remember that you're not perfect. Stop thinking you are! Although, you may be right sometimes; you're not ALWAYS right. Try giving your teenager some credit s/he maybe living through issues you are aware of.

That's why double standards make your teenager so angry, the whole "do as I say and not as I do" is enough to drive anybody insane. Yes, it's true that most parents have uttered the phrase "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out". Kids really hate that line, plus it has worn out its welcome! In other words, unless you're planning an extended vacation in prison, quit using those one-liners, you can be a little more creative than that right?