How to Help a Spouse to Deal With a Teen Boy

When parents don't communicate effectively and work together to handle their parenting responsibilities, raising a teen can be especially challenging. Support your spouse -- even if you or your spouse is a stepparent -- to create a loving and warm atmosphere for your teenager and family. Rather than viewing the teenage years as a period of conflict, use this time to help your teenage son grow into a responsible and caring adult.

Instructions

    • 1

      Communicate regularly with your spouse to discuss any concerns about your teenage son. Talking about issues or challenges regularly opens up discussions to remedy troubling circumstances.

    • 2

      Discuss realistic household rules for your teenager with your spouse. These rules can include items such as curfews, grades in school and car privileges. Also discuss disciplinary actions for bad behavior and rewards for good behavior. It̵7;s important to agree on the rules beforehand so your teenager understands both parents expect rules to be followed.

    • 3

      Enforce discipline when your teenager breaks the rules. It̵7;s difficult to always be the bad guy, so take turns with your spouse to enforce rules. If your son is not where he said he was going to be, offer to go and find him. Also, take turns being the good guy and rewarding your teenager for good behavior.

    • 4

      Support your spouse in every parenting decision. A teen can play his parents against each other to get what he wants. If you question your spouse̵7;s parental choices, discuss them behind closed doors to come to an agreement. Never argue about these issues in front of your teenager. Be united in front of your teenage son.

    • 5

      Share the chores, errands and parenting tasks. Making dinner every night, running errands and driving a teenager to and from school, social events and after-school activities can get tiresome. Work out a schedule with your spouse that works for your family so responsibilities are shared.

    • 6

      Choose your actions wisely and model the behavior you want to see in your son. Kids model their parents̵7; behavior, so avoid yelling, abusive behavior, excessive drinking, drug abuse or other adverse behaviors. A calm household benefits everybody in the family.

    • 7

      Help your son with homework and get involved in his school. Don̵7;t rely solely on your spouse to communicate with teachers and school. Address any issues with grades or attendance problems.

    • 8

      Support your child in his hobbies and interests. Attend games, practices and other events for your teenager.

    • 9

      Alert your spouse to any signs of depression, bullying or other issues that are affecting your teen̵7;s well-being. Talk to your teenager and seek counseling together as a family, if necessary.

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