Be A Parent Not A Pushover – A Guide to Raising Happy, Emotionally Healthy Teens
Genuinely loving our children means recognizing they need a balance of freedom and discipline. When there’s too much discipline, teens will rebel. When there’s too much freedom, they hunger for structure and often find it in undesired ways.
Finding balance is not simple, and that is what this book is about.
The author, Dr. Maryann Rosenthal, wants to help parents form a truly loving and satisfying relationship with their teens. To do so requires parents to have self-knowledge and information about how their kids think and act.
The book Be A Parent Not A Pushover is divided into three parts:
1. Understanding Teenage Turmoil
2. A-D-U-L-T: A Five-Step Plan for Eliminating Barriers Between You and Your Teen
3. Problem-Solving with Your Teen
At their best, the teen years are a choppy sea of feelings; at their worst, they bring emotional storms of hurricane proportions that create despair and sometimes disaster. It’s true no matter what we do, bad children will sometimes happen to good parents.
But that’s not an excuse for passivity. We can lessen—if not eliminate—these emotional storms if we care enough to learn.
About the Author
Dr Maryann Rosenthal is a highly respected clinical psychologist on family dynamics, and best selling author was recently selected as a book of the year on effective parenting. She is a featured authority on regional and national television and a global keynote speaker.
She co-authored with Denis Waitley the new family leadership program, The Seeds of Greatness System, taught worldwide. Maryann lives in southern California with her husband and their blended family of seven children and six grandchildren (and counting).
Raising happy and emotionally healthy teenagers can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. Adolescence is a period of significant change and development, and as a parent or guardian, your role is crucial in helping your teens navigate these years successfully. Here are a few tips to support you in fostering emotional well-being in your teenagers:
Open Communication
Maintain an open and non-judgmental line of communication with your teens. Encourage them to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of criticism. Active listening is key; show genuine interest in what they’re saying.
Respect Their Independence
Adolescents strive to establish identities and become more independent. While you should still provide guidance and set boundaries, allow them to make some decisions and learn from their mistakes.
Positive Reinforcement
Acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts self-esteem and encourages them to continue pursuing their goals.
Emotional Intelligence
Teach your teens about emotions, recognizing them, and managing them effectively. This includes understanding the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Teach Problem-Solving Skills
Help them develop problem-solving and decision-making skills. Guide them through analyzing situations, considering consequences, and making thoughtful choices.
Healthy Relationships
Educate your teens about healthy relationships, both romantic and platonic. Encourage them to establish boundaries, communicate openly, and recognize signs of unhealthy dynamics.
Encourage Physical Well-being
A balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep contribute to emotional well-being. Encourage healthy habits and model them in your own life.
Manage Stress
Adolescents often experience stress due to academic pressures, social dynamics, and other factors. Teach stress management techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and time management.
Resilience Building
Help your teens develop resilience by framing challenges as learning opportunities. Resilience enables them to bounce back from setbacks and develop a growth mindset.
Encourage Hobbies and Interests
Support their passions and interests. Engaging in hobbies can boost self-esteem, provide a sense of accomplishment, and offer a healthy outlet for stress.
Foster Empathy
Encourage teens to consider others’ perspectives and practice empathy. This skill is crucial for healthy relationships and understanding diverse viewpoints.
Limit Screen Time
Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can negatively impact emotional well-being. Set reasonable limits on screen time and encourage face-to-face interactions.
Promote a Sense of Purpose
Help your teens explore their interests and talents to find purpose. Engaging in activities that align with their passions can create a sense of fulfilment.
Lead by Example
Model the behaviors and attitudes you want your teens to adopt. They’re more likely to emulate positive behaviors when they see them in action.
Professional Help if Needed
If you notice signs of persistent mood changes, withdrawal, or severe distress, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
Remember that every teenager is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Your support, understanding, and consistent presence can go a long way in helping your teens navigate the challenges of adolescence and develop into emotionally healthy individuals.
Here’s how to promote mental wellness in your child.
