Early Teen (age 13-15 years)
Parenting an early teen is a lot like parenting a toddler in some ways. The developmental stage involves moving toward independence, not always gracefully or responsibly.
We can't change our child's basic personality, and the outside
environment has a profound effect, from peers to school to media. But
how we parent can make a critical difference in how our teen acts, from
how rebellious he is to whether she throws emotional tantrums, from
whether he gets enough sleep to how studious she is.
If we can manage our own emotions, extend respect, offer appropriate
freedom, and maintain intimacy and communication -- a tall order for
most parents -- we can be pleasantly surprised by how rewarding the
teen years can be. The rewards are huge, as we watch our child
transform and blossom in front of our eyes.
Gameplan: Positive Parenting Your Early Teen (13-14)
Your game plan for navigating adolescence with minimum drama and maximum connection.
Staying Connected with your Early Teen
Much of the same advice applies that was true when he was a toddler: Reconnect every day, and don't wait when you see there's repair work to be done.
Building a Great Relationship with Your Young Teen
The only leverage we ever really have with our children is their love for us. It's never too late to build a great relationship with your child.
Dinner: Stay in Touch with Your Teenager
The more frequently teens eat dinner with their families the better they do in school, the happier they say they are, and the less likely they are to get involved with drugs, alcohol, sex, or vandalism. Don't expect your teen to open up a lot at the dinner table, but use it as a foundation for those late-night talks.
How to Help Your Teen Develop Good Judgment
Even if you could hover over your child and help him navigate every obstacle, it wouldn't be good for him. He has to use his own judgment and draw on his own internal resources now.
How to Keep Talking with your Teen
Most tweens and teens regretfully report that there are things about which they can’t talk with their parents, because their parents won’t listen, won’t understand, or will over-react. But believe it or not, there are parents whose kids who talk to them, and even ask their advice, even as teenagers. This web site is dedicated to the possibility that you could be one of those parents.
Q & A: Letters and Answers about Teens
Have a question about parenting your young teen? Questions from readers, with wise and practical solutions from Dr. Laura Markham to the worst problems your teenager can dish out!
