Getting a Teen to Grow Up

Website KidsHealth notes that teenagers will start to assert their independence from their parents, learn to think more rationally and develop their moral code during the formative adolescent years. As your teenager gets older, you may worry that she̵7;s not ready for the responsibilities and decision making of adulthood. Use specific strategies to ensure your teen grows up with the confidence and skills needed to successfully manage the adult world.

  1. Boost Self-Esteem

    • Building your teenager̵7;s self-esteem will not only provide encouragement as she completes tasks on her own, such as finishing school projects or finding an after-school job, it could also give her the self-assurance needed to take on grown-up responsibilities. Education.com states that if your teen knows that you have confidence in her, she will also have confidence in herself. The site suggests increasing your teen̵7;s self-esteem by spending time with her, showing her unconditional love and praising her effort when she tackles a difficult task, for example.

    Encourage Problem Solving

    • Help your teenager grow up by encouraging her to solve her own problems rather than rushing to her rescue whenever she encounters a difficult situation. Teenagers need to develop complex reasoning skills to consider the risks and consequences of their actions. Help her develop these skills by asking direct questions to help her sort out her feelings when she̵7;s upset and suggesting she weigh the options as she tries to solve a problem.

    Show Respect

    • Allow your teenager to feel more like a grown up by showing her that you respect her and her privacy. KidsHealth suggests staying out of your teen̵7;s room and away from possessions, such as her cell phone and purse, and email accounts unless you see signs that she may be involved with something or someone dangerous. Let your teen know that you trust her, but that she will lose some privacy and freedom if she violates your trust.

    Increase Responsibilities

    • Encourage your teenager to act and feel more grown up by letting her make her own decisions and take responsibility for those actions. Website School Family recommends letting your teen offer input on issues that affect her, such as when and how to complete homework. In addition, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation website notes that your teen will also feel more responsible if you let her take part in some of the family's decision making. Unless she̵7;s about to make a decision that will negatively affect her health or safety, it̵7;s important to let your teen make mistakes so she can learn and grown from them.

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