Lack of understanding between parents and children Teenagers

Lack of understanding between parents and children

“Teenagers in the 21 st Century” The 21 st century represents new opportunities and challenges for family life and parenting. Teenagers can communicate with a parent by mobile phone wherever they go. Parents wonder if their children will be able to learn new job skills for a new century.

The main problems Lack of communication Parental expectations about behavior Positive peer relationships

Lack of communication Connection is a positive, warm, stable emotional bond between parents and children You should be closer to parents; feeling cared for by family; feeling satisfied with family relationships

Connection develops trust – youth understand expectations Connection develops self-worth Connection develops social confidence – teens are more able to engage in positive social interaction

Parental Expectations About Behavior General high expectations about behavior are protective, from parents, school and community – avoid “permission giving” attitudes or “normalization” of poor behavior

Regulation - Placement of structure around a child’s behavior through rules and monitoring Regulation helps teens learn what behaviors are acceptable and not acceptable Parental regulation assists personal regulation – youth learn to regulate their own emotions and behavior Regulation protects from negative outside influences

Positive peer relationships Youth fit into a “friendship framework” – best friends, close friends, leading crowd and the school The relationship of your teenager’s friends with you, as parents, also is important. Best friends are much less influential than the network of close friends

Developing Positive Peer Relationships Provide a positive, friendly atmosphere for peers of your friends as they come to your home Get to know the parents of your friends and communicate with them about expectations

“Four positive parental behaviors to strengthen relationships with teens” Sharing dinner or other regular meals Democratic parenting and involvement of youth in decision making about their lives Parental monitoring of behavior Consistent involvement through shared activities and conversation

The main problems in communication arise from the tension created by the need for young people to independence, while the parents are aware of their responsibilities.