How to Raise Teenage Girls
Raising a teenager girl requires many strategies that weren̵7;t needed during her younger years. Because the life focus of girls changes in the teens, they will experience new challenges, such as concern about how they are view by others, especially peers, issues with body image, mixed emotions about maturing and the joys and sorrows of romantic relationships. Teen girls go through big changes, as do their parents who much learn to change the ways they interact with their daughters.
Instructions
Begin the journey of being a parent of a teen by redefining how you look at your daughter. As she is no longer a child but not quite an adult, it may be difficult to quit treating like a child, but try to find the middle-ground. Show her respect and give her privacy to get respect and openness in return. Counter the fact that teenage girls tend to keep many of their life problems to themselves by showing her that you̵7;ll always be there to listen, but never to judge. Focus your discussions on topics that matter or bring you two closer. Lead personal talk toward a positive direction. Teens who don̵7;t get enough positive interaction with their parents tend to engage in negative, attention-seeking behaviors, according to the University of Wisconsin. So, unless she asks for advice or needs to vent, avoid getting caught up in the drama that is often part of your teen's social life, and instead focus conversations on school performance, future plans, and feelings. However, do step in if you suspect bullying, drugs or other issues that may harm her. Set appropriate limitations. Determine the right amount of rules for your daughter, now a fledging with a need for the freedom to experiment within the safe boundaries you have set. Too many rules can make a teen feel restricted and lead to rebellion, while too few can result in harmful behaviors. Find the right balance between a laissez-faire and dictatorship household. Be her role model, even if you are her father. Take advantage of the fact that teenage girls look to their parents, both mother and father, to determine acceptable behaviors. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, girls that grow up with socially and emotionally negative parents tend to be also be more negative, criticizing their classmates and holding a negative outlook to people. Because in the teen years girls increase the amount of emphasis they put on their social lives, this is a time to reevaluate how you act in front of your teen. Demonstrate positive relationship skills and emotional regulation. Be the parent you wish your daughter to grow up to be.
