This post is made possible with support from the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, part of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. All opinions are my own.
Are you raising a teenager like I am right now? Now, more than ever, families are searching for the best way to navigate the world safely and lovingly with our children, especially our teens. The Center for Parent & Teen Communication website (CPTC) provides science-based strategies to support healthy family relationships. The Center is made up of doctors, researchers, and advisors bringing years of knowledge and expertise on youth to today’s parents. I have been reading and watching their 1-Minute Parenting Tips, easy to implement tips and practical advice. I am not too proud to say that I need help with my teen these days, I’m taking notes!
One tip that struck a chord is called “Self-Interested Teens.” My 15-year old spends many hours on her phone taking selfies, posting them online, and the same amount of time in the bathroom mirror. Chores are put-off, doors are slammed, simple questions are replied to defensively, and my husband and I sigh in despair. I’ve cried myself to sleep many nights praying that tomorrow she will be happier and offer concern for others than herself. The video turned the light bulb on for me. Of course, it’s self-interest! They are finding themselves; looking for their place in this big world. Happy tears fell this time because I’m not raising an uncaring child—it’s quite the opposite.
These thoughtfully stated parent tips are concise, to-the-point explanations of valid concerns we have with our teens. They make you think of things in a different way, perfect for me as I often over-analyze my methods of parenting. I’ve signed up for the CPTC 100-word, daily parenting tip newsletter, you should check it out too. Watch the six animations, http://bit.ly/2Z9bqXa, and let me know in the comments which one you can relate to the most. I know they all have some truth in them and hit some nerves for me, especially this past year.
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