10 Tips to Raise a Teenage Daughter
Teenage is the time when the rebellious streak kicks in, and it’s any parent’s nightmare, especially if you are raising a teen daughter. There will be long nights worrying who she had sneaked in with before pacifying that she’s with a classmate for night studies completing an assignment. Wonder who will pick her up for date night, then there is the prom which is like the teen test for acceptance into the society, and the obvious scare of drugs and alcohol.
1. Be a good listener
It's time of physical, mental and hormonal changes. There will be moments when she comes home crying just because she got bullied over her acne issues in school or her crush started to date someone else, or she has jealousy pangs about her peers in class. Whatever be the issue, listen to her out patiently without judging. Be her friend and instead of just giving out expert advice like parenting 101 it is better to focus on the emotional well-being of your daughter.
2. Know her friends
Adolescence is the age when one moves on from childhood friendships to make room for new ones that fit into the social acceptance category. There is always a role model that every girl looks up to maybe her best friend, her mom, her rival, her teacher, or any public figure who appeals to her personality. It is obvious she will choose friends, according to her taste after all she is growing up to be the woman she wants to be in life. She will hang out with friends and a crowd that match her mental, social status. It is time to play the cool parent and know all her friends, not in a way that you almost spy on her, but invite her friends over for a pajama night or lunch out and get to know her gang.
3. Make her feel special
She will follow all the makeup DIY videos and streak her hair bubblegum pink or striking blue or maybe grandma grey. She will love her clothes short and feel compelled to show off her curves. Sometimes it will be cringe-worthy, but you can always support her fleeting fashion moments by standing up for her instead of letting her down. Give plenty of compliments and never make her feel low on her outward appearance. Maybe she is already body shamed in her circle, and if as a parent, it continues at home it will leave deep psychological scars for a lifetime. Shopping trips and exchanging style tips will be a great bonding time with your daughter.
4. Discreet online presence
It is not uncommon for girly teens to block out their family from their social networking profiles. No teen wants their parents to know what they are up to and with whom they are getting tagged virtually. They will even have a secret, or multiple accounts just to stay away from the hawk-eyed parents, which make them vulnerable to online predators. The best way to deal with this issue to have a discreet eye on their online activities without encroaching on their privacy.
5. No Comparison
Yes, the neighbor's daughter will be prettier, or the daughter of your colleagues will ace the test’s with straight A’s, and competition is real in every field of life. But that does not mean you have to continually puncture her self-confidence by comparing her to girls of her age. She is already into a lot of mental stress in keeping up with her new self, an honest tête-à-tête will be helpful to clear her doubts. Be her cheerleader, and you will raise a wonderful daughter.
6. Open Talk
Teens have tonnes of questions, and the first person to turn to is their parent, be open-minded with their sex-related queries. Educating them about sex, periods, STD’s, date drugs, alcohol and the sexual changes in their body openly will ensure that they feel safe and value their body. By allowing her to talk freely about her crushes will not only make her value her relationship but also allow you to keep a tab on the boys she will probably date or hang out with.
7. Let her be an adult
Parents make most of the decisions in their young daughter’s life to keep them safe and nurture a protective environment. But letting her be an adult and take some of the decisions about her life at an early age will boost her self-worth. Allowing her to follow her passions and make a career out of it will make her a happy individual. Empowering her to express her views about herself and the society, entitling her to equal opportunities with her siblings will ensure she grows into a magnificent woman.
8. Handle mood swings
There will be plenty of mood swings and bad days when you will yell at each other but do not allow her to build up emotions and become a recluse about issues in her life. Instead be a shoulder to cry on, hear her out and let her be a normal teen. Resolve her conflicts by being a ‘cool’ parent.
9. Be a Role model
It does not help by being the ‘busy’ parent and staying absent from your teen’s life when they need you the most as a grown adult. Children follow their parent's actions and by being a positive role model to them will make them self-assured. Do the right things in front of them avoid nagging and fighting with each other in front of them. .
10. Enjoy the phase
Last but not the least enjoy the phase as a family, go out with her often to spa sessions, movies, family vacations. Make most of the time with your daughter as she will not be in her teens forever. Follow her new obsession or watch that drama series she adores. Being a parent does not mean there will be no drama, but it will be an adventurous ride.
