Bringing up a teenage daughter can feel like a daunting task, and if she is your first, it can be challenging to know how to approach the task. There are many things to keep in mind, but here we are going to look at the main aspects to keep in mind when supporting a teenage daughter through these challenging years.
Listen to What Her Interested Are
It’s important to know what your daughter’s interests are. Many parents fall into the trap of trying to influence their kids to have hobbies and interests that closely mirror their own. This way of thinking is bad enough if the kids are young, but you can vaguely get away with it then. If you try to continue this into the teenage years, you are going to have a fight on your hands. Remember to talk to her regularly and keep the relationship healthy and current.
Stay vigilant about their mental health.
Keeping a tab on your teen’s mental health is essential for their overall well-being. Adolescence can be a challenging time with various emotional and social changes. As a parent or guardian, stay attentive to any shifts in their behavior, moods, or social interactions. Engage in open and supportive conversations, encouraging them to express their feelings and concerns. If you notice persistent signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, consider seeking the support of a Denver therapist Rachel Cohen or a professional of similar expertise in your vicinity. Know that therapy can offer valuable tools to enhance their resilience, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. Therefore, it could be of help in this regard!
Keep Up With her Academic Progress
Schoolwork is vitally important, and you may be lucky enough to have a daughter that naturally loves to read or study. But if this is not the case, then it’s imperative to try to insist on a study schedule that gives her the best possible chance to succeed later in life. This is not always the easiest sell; however, it’s good to explain it to her so that she realizes that if she misses out now, then she is closing doors to opportunities that are not as easy to reopen later in life.
Attend Sports or Other Extra-Curricular Events
If your girl is in a sports, dance, or cheer team, then you must show your support, especially since in other areas of their lives they are reticent to allow you to be around. So be there and be loud, make banners and sport cheer mom shirts to give your full backing.
Be Attentive to Health Needs
Teenagers are notoriously shy, and it’s crucial to stay on top of your developing young lady’s health needs. This can encompass such milestones as periods and birth control, as you should want to be there to advise her, as even though she won’t believe you entirely, you’ve been there before and have the knowledge and experience that can help her through. Every little girl still needs her mom, no matter how old she gets. Some things are beyond your area of expertise, and these days it’s important to be on top of mental health issues these days, with one in five young people experiencing difficulties.
Congratulate Her on Doing Well
When she achieves something, it’s important to mark the occasion and make her feel special. This can be something as simple as a birthday or when she passes school exams, wins an event, or gets a certificate in one of her extra-curricular classes. Planning a teen party can seem complicated, but if you plan everything thoroughly and adequately then it can be a roaring success. Always remember to consider her age and interests as she won’t appreciate a party in a ‘mom style.’
