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Parents

“I hate you” screamed the high octane teen. This wasn’t directed at a relationship gone wrong but instead of the very ones closet to them.

For the Parents this was a devastating admission. Yes the last couple of years had been a tumultuous battle of wills. There had been many occasions where clashes had erupted and the language used was severe. From both sides. There had even been times where events threatened to come to blows.

For a Parent in this situation, this is a time where they are worn down and often completely isolated with every idea exhausted on how to deal with their teen. Most often, not even the closest friends have any idea of the drama afflicting the house.


Parents need to know that at some stage nearly every family has gone through a stage where their teenager “hates” the family. This is normal and just a passing phase! The relationship with your teen is in a state of transition from teenager to young adult.

Realising that there has been a change is a big step. All of a sudden you are confronted by an obnoxious hormonal teen standing their ground on you. It's easy to meet their high energy with some more of your own. You need to remain calm (easier said than done) even be prepared to walk away if needed. This is all about managing the new relationship with your young adult.

Just remember you still need to be “chairman of the board”.


Teens...

Q. What do you do when you Parents are not giving you what you want?
A. It goes along way when a Parent can see you are making an effort.

Negative behaviour tends to have a negative effect on Parents.

• Don’t make promises you can't keep
• Don’t lie to yourself
• Don’t play one Parent off against the other
• Don’t be scared to ask for help
• Don’t be hypocritical
• Don’t blame your Parents for your behaviour.


If you want the car keys or extra freedom...

Don't bite the hand that feeds you!