Connect With Your Teen

Parenthood, unlike other professions, doesn't come with a specific how-to manual. At times It may seem like rocket science and this may lead you to ask questions like this parent right here;

“It's Sunday evening and Mama Rhema is sitting in her living room. She looks relaxed and poised but the truth is, deep down she is sinking into a plethora of thoughts. Her 13-year-old daughter is all she has in her mind. She is having an inner battle with herself, "have I done enough in molding my daughter's character?".

Recently her neighbor's daughter got involved in a scuffle connected with assault. As she is still in her inner turmoil, her teenage daughter walks in. She is on her phone dancing to the latest trend on the new social app. "Mom, look at me!" her teen shouts, Mama Rhema looks at her daughter while gathering a small smirk "is she ready?" She wonders.”

Like Mama Rhema, you might have moments where you contemplate if you have done enough to raise your teen. Of course In a holistic way to face the dynamic real world.

You know that deep down you want to connect with your teen. Here are a few ways you can use to connect with your teen on a meaningful level.

1. Connect Your Teen to The Ultimate Manual

You've bought an item from your local store before, you got the manual and went through it to set it up well. You know for sure without a good setup, things might get messy. In contrast, teens need some basic instructions that pack lots of wisdom about who they are. Teaching your teen their identity through the eyes God sees them is vital. The Word of God offers room to get such wisdom, it is the ultimate manual after all.

2. Be Honest as a Parent

Did you notice while growing up, that most, if not all parents confessed to being in the first position in class? They acted like they were the best in all subjects. Until you see their result slip and your jaw drops due to shock. This needs addressing. Be honest with your teen to avoid giving them unnecessary pressure to live up to what you couldn’t achieve.

This in turn gives them a breather and the belief that they can do their very best and get acknowledged.

3. Engage Your Teen In Mentorship Programs

Insight plus intelligence are key things for your teen to gain. Involving a mentor will encourage the teen to think outside the box, ready to face challenges. Exposing your teen to a mentorship program engages them in real-life situations. Remember, this is to make them appreciate the necessity of hard work and consistency.

4. Challenge The Status Quo

You need to challenge your teen, if left to follow the normal flow of life they may fall into materialism. This can be a result of not learning to appreciate the value of productivity and production.

Use creative and fun ways to make it about them with emphasis on applying what they've learned in class. This in turn encourages your teen to nature a skill they can use to better the whole community.

5. Be a Good Listener

Connection comes from understanding what your teen is going through. To meet this level of connection, Listen more to what your teen is saying.

Connection through listening will allow you to direct your teen from an honest place. This will also enable you to address areas where they feel strained and neglected. Such an initiative will aid in breaking cycles of depression.

6. Advocate For Less Screen Time

The black mirror has taken over society. If not checked, your teen may get consumed with their thoughts. You can suggest moments where you meet as a family with no phones or television, to catch up on what is happening.

With an ear ready to listen and an open heart, you may get surprised about your teen's concerns. Good, these might be areas they need help in. Connect with them before the screen does, do not judge them.

Enroll Your Teen in Volunteer Programs

You need your teen to be proactive. Enrolling them in Volunteer programs enables them to know what they are good at. This creates an avenue to take part in developing the community. Society requires leaders today, your teen is also capable of making a difference.

Through these guidelines, you may better understand how to connect with your teen. You may still fumble at times and deep down you know your teen needs nurturing for a better mindset, not to worry. Sign up for a program offering education based on Christian character building.