How to Deal With Teenagers as a Single Parent

Raising teenagers for any parent can be a real challenge, but when you're a single parent, you can feel easily overwhelmed by the adolescent years, and experience difficulty coping at times. Due to hormonal changes and the general frustration of adolescence, teenagers are usually notorious for violent mood swings; sullen or defiant behavior; and displaying a fierce desire for independence. When you are already consumed by trying to make ends meet, maintaining an orderly household and managing other issues, dealing with a teenager can sometimes feel like the last straw. But you can cope and be an effective single parent to your teen -- without losing your mind.

Instructions

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      Seek outside help when necessary. You can't -- and shouldn't have to -- handle everything on your own. Ask neighbors, family members, trusted friends or co-workers to step in when you need help, advises Focus Adolescent Services, an information and referral service for families with troubled teens. Join a single parent support group. Look in your community center, church or local mental health clinic for postings on group meetings. If a group doesn't yet exist in your area, seek support online or consider starting your own group.

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      Establish clear boundaries with your teen, suggests counselor and parent educator Diane C. Shearer in an article for the "Nashville Parent" magazine. All teens need boundaries and limits to feel safe and to know exactly how far they can test their new-found independence. But when you're a single parent and carrying many burdens on your own, you won't always have a helping hand when it comes to discipline. Explain to your teen that single parenting isn't easy, and you expect her to adhere to your rules.

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      Take care of yourself. Single parents often feel fatigued and over-stressed at the end of the day. You might not set aside enough time to relax, unwind and attend to your own needs. But if you don't take care of yourself, you won't be as effective a parent to your teenager. According to HealthyChildren.org, avoiding self-care may even increase your risk of depression and burnout. Engage in a stress-relieving activity of your choice, such as yoga, watching a funny movie with your teen, taking a hot bath or meditation, each day.

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      Ask your teen to help you with household chores. Your teen should be capable and mature enough to take on a certain amount of responsibility when it comes to helping you with daily household tasks. Discuss chores with your entire family and delegate responsibilities. Encourage them to view the family as a team that needs to work together, advises Dr. Barry G. Ginsberg, child and family psychologist, as quoted in an article for WebMD.

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      Connect with your teen on a daily basis. As a single parent, it can be more challenging to find quiet time to talk to him. But even if you feel overloaded by other responsibilities, make time to show your teen that you're still interested and engaged in his life. A teen is less likely to take risks if he has a positive relationship with parents, says Planned Parenthood in an article on parent-teen relationships.

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