Nurturing your teen spirits means empowering, supporting, and uplifting the next generation. (Desiree Panlilio).
Parenting can be a challenging and rewarding experience. It is a long-term job with many ups and downs, but the rewards are countless. One of the most important aspects of parenting is providing emotional support to your teen. However, doing so without being overbearing or telling your teen how to feel and act can be tricky. Here are some practical tips to help you provide emotional support to your teen without being overbearing.
It’s important to understand that emotions are complex and unique to each individual. What works for one person may not work for another. As a parent, it’s essential to recognize and respect your teen’s emotions without trying to control or change them. One way to do this is to listen actively without judgment. By actively listening, you can understand your teen’s emotions and perspective, which can help you provide better support.
Another way to provide emotional support to your teen is to validate their feelings. Validation means acknowledging and accepting your teen’s emotions without necessarily agreeing with them. It lets your teen know that their feelings are valid and important. For instance, you can say, “I can understand why you feel frustrated” or “I see that you’re upset about this situation.”
Be empathetic, which means putting yourself in your teen’s shoes and imagining how they’re feeling. Empathy can help you connect with your teen on a deeper level and understand their emotions better. You can say something like, “That must be really difficult for you” or “I’m sorry you’re going through this.”
As a parent, it’s natural to want to fix your teen’s problems or make them feel better. However, it’s essential to let your teen take the lead when it comes to their emotions. Encouraging them to come up with solutions and coping strategies on their own can help them develop their problem-solving skills and increase their sense of self-efficacy.
When providing emotional support to your teen, it’s important to be mindful of your language and tone. Using a gentle and supportive tone can help your teen feel safe and comfortable opening up to you. On the other hand, if you are using a critical or judgmental tone your teen may feel attacked or defensive, which leads to your teen not talking to you and sharing how they are feeling and what is going on in their life.
Lastly, it’s essential to take care of yourself as a parent. Providing emotional support to your teen can be emotionally taxing and draining. It’s important to prioritize your own well-being and seek support when you need it. Self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or talking to a friend can help you recharge and be better equipped to support your teen emotionally. It is important to have a village where you as a parent can find support and humor as you go through this season of your life. After all, it takes a village to raise our children into healthy, well-adjusted young adults who are able to navigate and succeed in the world.