7 Things Parents Should Talk About With Their Teenage Children
As a parent it is natural to get anxiety attacks about your growing kid who is entering the teenage. There are so many influences to deal with, so many problems to encounter and so many issues to be careful about. Where should you start from? Here are 7 basic things you should start discussing with your teenage child.
1. Sex and sexuality
Your growing teen is likely to be exposed to sex and matters of sexuality through the media or through his/her personal experience. Discuss important matters like contraception, unwanted pregnancies and abortion with your teen. Teach him/her how to use discretion and where to draw the line.
2. Drugs, alcohol and other vices
Teens love partying when they are in high school or in their freshman years. They are likely to come across drugs, binge drinking and other vices when in contact with friends with different social background . If not mentored correctly, peer pressure may drive them to take to such vices. These matters are urgent and alarming and you must discuss such topics with your teen as soon as possible.
3. Dealing with money
If your teen is earning money, he/she will be familiar with the value of money and how to save it. If not, then, it is important for you as a parent to tutor your growing teen with topics related to allowances and savings.
4. The importance of family
Teens are known to drift away from their families because they are busy doing multiple things and their peers don’t consider hanging out with family to be cool. Make sure that you convey the importance of family and of having a bond among each family member to your teen.
5. Dating and relationships
Teens may think that changing partners frequently is cool, breaking up with someone is normal and cheating on someone is not a big deal. Don’t let your child grow up with wrong values. Share practical and truthful dating and relationship tips with your teen as a friend and not as a parent.
6. Online presence
Teens are so glued to the online world that they may forget how their online presence can affect their future career and job. If you can’t keep a close tab on your teen’s online activities, at least explain to him/her the dreadful consequences of having a compromised online reputation.
7. The meaning of success
Step into your teen’s shoes and think about what success means to him/her. Have a talk with your teen and outline the things he/she must do in life to achieve success, whether it is in case of academics, sports or any other area of life that your teen may be currently pursuing. Your teen is likely to remember these words of advice throughout his/her life.
