Top 10 Characteristics of a Good Parent to a Teenager
Parental instinct is fundamental to the survival of humanity. Without it, mankind would be lost. Parental emotions and impulses are embedded at a genetic level, but without a theoretical foundation for raising children, parents may struggle when their child becomes a teenager. Suddenly, their behavior becomes unpredictable, and their thoughts and motivations become mysterious. To continue being good parents to a teenager, it is important to consider the essential qualities needed for this stage.10 Characteristics of a Good Parent:
- Responsibility is essential!
Parents, above all, should be responsible for themselves, their actions, and their words. A parent who has a sense of responsibility will find it much easier to raise a teenager, regardless of their previous experience with child-rearing.
When a parent understands that they are accountable for every step they take with their child, they will be thoughtful, recognizing the causes and effects of their actions. This foresight helps ensure their chosen parenting methods lead to positive results.
For example, a responsible parent can apologize to their teenager if they shouted without reason or didn't trust their child's words. This gesture can help build confidence in the teenage child.
Important: If you can't apologize to your children as a parent, don't expect any apologies from your teenage children!
Responsibility also contributes to peace and understanding between spouses, as they are responsible not only for themselves and their child but also for each other's mood, wellbeing, comfort, and leisure. All of these interwoven threads of responsibility create a strong and beautiful foundation for your family. - Sincerity
Parental love must come from the heart. Teenagers won't accept insincerity or forced displays of emotion. When raising kids, it's important not to bottle up your feelings. Of course, avoid extreme reactions like breaking dishes, yelling loudly, or crying uncontrollably in front of your child, but do express your emotions genuinely. This helps relieve stress and supports a sincere, mutual understanding between you and your teen.
For example, if you become very angry with a neighbor, instead of slamming the door, you might say: "Kelly, I know you want to talk, but I'm so angry right now that I might say something I'll regret. Can I watch a funny TV show for half an hour to cool off, then we can talk?" Teens can sense when we hide our real feelings, and a fake smile doesn't help. - Courage
Don't be afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes are unavoidable, because parents are only human and children are individual people with their own thoughts and worries. Don't stress over your mistakes; you can always seek solutions. The key is not to let fear prevent you from trying different approaches.
Don't be afraid to discipline your teen if it's necessary, nor to openly express your real feelings. Some parents hesitate to say "I love you," thinking it's obvious, or fear appearing weak. There's no need to fear your child making poor choices—focus on teaching them how to assess others. If you realize an error in your parenting, seek a solution, but don't panic. - Curiosity
Be open to learning about different parenting methods and recommendations. The more information you gather, the better you can tailor your approach to suit your family. Take an interest in your teenager's inner world—explore their habits, strengths, and abilities. The sooner you understand these, the better you'll be able to help your child develop their talents.
Showing curiosity in new trends, psychological research, and parenting techniques will enrich your own life as well. To discover new strategies, consider taking our unique Parents Mentor Test. The results will introduce you to parenting from fresh perspectives and teach you valuable approaches. The recommendations you receive will help you develop all the qualities of a good parent, even if you're new to the topic. - Positive Attitude
Try to maintain a positive outlook. The joy parents feel has a powerful effect on children at any age. Teenagers are especially sensitive and can quickly sense the family's mood. Fathers can lift mothers' spirits, creating a joyful environment. During the challenging adolescent years, a positive family mood helps turn difficulties into shared experiences, so teens feel understood and loved. - Adequacy
Before making significant decisions about your child's upbringing, make sure your intentions are appropriate. Parents should keep a clear head, even during emotional situations. Before punishing your child, consider what they did, how serious it was, and the potential impact of your chosen consequence. This helps foster respect from your teen. - Ingenuity
Cultivate the ability to make the most out of what you have. For instance, if you know how to sew, you might save money on clothes. By studying many parenting methods, you can select the best ideas and make them your own. Inventiveness is also crucial when encouraging or disciplining children. Predictable responses soon lose their effect.
Example: Brenda always bought her son Harry "Snickers" bars as a reward when he was young, but by age fourteen, that no longer motivated him—he wanted a game console. If he truly deserves such a reward, it's worth considering.
Important! Don't be tedious with your children so you can nurture their creativity. - Flexibility
This means finding multiple solutions to conflict situations and choosing the most appropriate one. If your first approach doesn't work, try another until you reach a positive outcome. - Patience
Parents must have a great deal of patience. While adults often do things by habit, children are still learning and make mistakes or move slowly. Remain patient as your teen learns new tasks, such as washing dishes or cleaning their shoes for the first time.
Many parents can't resist the urge to criticize, but this only breeds resentment. Patience is also needed when your children bring friends over. Active games and noise are normal for teenagers. Allowing them to express their energy helps them relax and sleep better at night. - Consistency
Consistency is vital. Parents should be consistent both in discipline and rewards. If you promise your child a gift in exchange for completing a task, follow through. Keeping promises is part of being consistent. If you warn your teen of a consequence for bad behavior, you must follow through, or your words lose meaning.
Important! When you warn your child of consequences for their behavior, specify exactly what the consequence will be.