The high school years teenagers are forced to face can be as hectic and confusing for your son just as they can be for you. It’s in these years the greatest changes might occur in your son, including changes in his religion, extracurricular activities and sexual preferences.
Being able to understand these changes and help guide him through them is an essential part of ensuring your relationship stays on the positive side as he grows up.
To accomplish that, below are four ways you can help your son thrive during his high school years.
Maintain an Open Two-Way Line of Communication
The teenage years are full of change. Your son will try to identify with different groups and subcultures to see what fits him. Don’t be afraid to listen to what he says and to discuss your thoughts about it with him. The more open you keep your communication with your son, the less likely you’ll be surprised when something happens.
This allows you to respond calmly to the situation and opt for the best outcome. An open communication can also help you persuade your son into avoiding risky behavior such as premarital sex and taking drugs. You can redirect your son’s curiosity into something wholesome and safe, like sports or other extracurricular activities.
Help Your Son Stay on Track in School
As a teen, many things are in flux. There is one thing that should stay as high as they possibly can and never be allowed to drop: your son’s grades in school.
If you keep the first tip in mind, then you’ll likely know why your son’s performance in school might be dropping. It could be relationship woes, a lack of interest in a class or even the fact your son just doesn’t like the teacher of his history class. For all of those issues, you should be able to help him out by just talking through it.
For everything else, you can always try your best to help with his school work. You can ask the teacher for supplemental material, resources or even tutor recommendations if you feel your son is behind in his education. Just don’t let him slip through the cracks, especially in high school.
Teach Your Son Things about “Being a Man”
No matter how old they are, boys often need help with their appearance, especially grooming. Appearance is one of the biggest things in the teenage world.
It matters in high school more than it ever will in office board rooms, but learning how to stay well-groomed is a skill lasting a lifetime. Mothers can help their sons become more confident by taking them shopping and helping them find a style they like, or maybe giving them advice about what looks good.
Fathers can help their sons with things they have never done before like shaving, tying a tie or knowing what to do on a first date. The Art of Shaving has great beginner razors for teenagers who are just starting to shave.
If you don’t know how to tie a tie, there are plenty of videos on YouTube. Try to teach your son these things early, because he may be too embarrassed to ask you.
Wear Your Son’s Shoes
Being a successful parent requires you to be able to think like and understand your son. This requires a large bit of introspection on your part, but the benefits are limitless.
Your children can tell when you are trying to understand them and when you are judging them or trying to control them. If your son feels like you understand where he is coming from, you’ll have less arguments and be able to work through problems quickly.
If you find yourself butting heads with your son a little too often, then think about the situation. Try to talk to your close friends and family about it to get a different perspective. You may not always be right, but a heartfelt and earnest try to understand your son will always be something your child will ultimately be grateful for.
What other tips can you suggest to help your son through high school? Please write them in the Comments below.
