The teenage years are always crucial to one’s personality development towards the adolescent years. Teens are always exploring a new sense of freedom. Part of the individuation process for teens means separating from parents and exploring the world. This process can be tough to navigate as teens practice more independence and make mistakes along the way.

This is the reason why Youth.com.ph is geared towards guiding teens at this developmental phase. We are dealing with various youth issues ranging from school life to fad lifestyles that our young people are engaged in. The youth are often influenced by a lot of things around them and they have this thirst to try something new. Although the zest for life and innovation can be good at some point, we are here to educate our youth about the perils of some experiences they do not know about.

In terms of parenting a teen, it is best to have an early understanding of what is really important for the family as a whole and what would be intolerable for parents, the young person, and the relationship. Whether a group member or a non-comformist, a son or daughter may need the parents to intervene in unhealthy or unsafe behavior. Parents can best approach such a need by:

• remembering your children need the highest (not the hardest) expectation of them.
• choosing the points of contention carefully for what is really of value.
• be prepared to be the “uncool” parent for imposing limits (many young people are secretly relieved).
• if parenting efforts are ignored or rejected, be available for help or assistance if there is trouble.

While the values and opinions adults shared with their teen in their early years will be challenged, it may help parents to remember that from the distance of peer group and other relationships, young people may often “rediscover” the values learned from their families. After all, how can the youth value and hold onto what their parents taught them and not still be a child?

When teens are making the transition from home to lives of their own, it helps to have in place a safety net. While there are built-in safety nets when a son or daughter goes off to college and lives in a dorm, parents usually need to be more involved when kids are moving away and living on their own.

It helps for parents to be familiar with the area and town where their son or daughter will be living. They can help them become familiar with the neighborhood and nearby conveniences. The young person leaving home and living alone will need to have emergency contacts – family members, friends, and professional contacts, for when they need to problem-solve on their own.

When helping young people on their way to becoming independent, parents can help establish emergency funds for unexpected purchases or other expenses. All teens should feel that they are always welcome at home and have a place to “flop,” at least temporarily if sudden changes arise.

We are encouraging a healthy debate in this website. We enjoin everyone to contribute to the holistic improvement of Youth.com.ph. Our Contact Us is always an open gateway that will get your messages to us. We hope to see you visit again!