When I began my transition into adulthood, I was excited about the future and its possibilities. I looked forward to a prosperous and full life. I was eager to start my family. I went about raising my children with joy and wonder until they became teenagers. The joy and wonder that once accompanied parenthood became worry and fear.

 

Teenagers are into many things. They like their music, they like their clothes, and they like their friends. We may not like any of their choices. Nevertheless, they are their choices and they are the ones who have to live with them. Personally, if my teenager dresses inappropriately or is listening to inappropriate music I do say something. It is my duty as a parent to let her know the implications of what she is wearing or listening to. This way, she cannot say that she did not know. All children need to learn that there are consequences to their actions.

 

Currently when it is difficult to deal with teenagers (they do of course know everything), I try to make sure my teenager knows every day that I love her. Some of the ways that I show her that I love her may not always seem like I do at first.

 

Here are some tips to show your teenager that you love them. Remember, they will not always think of these as love, but when they give it time to sink in, they will truly love you back. They will definitely know that you love them. For it is said that a parent who cares is not going to be their child's friend but a true parent.

-Tell them you love them every night before you go to sleep.
-Say good morning to them every morning.
-Hug them at least once per day.
-Do not always say yes.
-Stick to your list of questions when they want to go out: who, what, where, when and sometimes why? Do not back down on this one, it could actually save their life.
-Be genuinely interested in their homework.
-Get to know their friends.
-Listen to what they have to say.
-Remind them to make good choices.
-Take an interest in their eating habits. (Yes, this is a way to show love)
-Do not be afraid to be a hypocrite. Just because we partied when we were teenagers does not mean it is safe for teenagers to party today.

 

I am not saying that every teenager will know that you love him or her by following these simple steps but you will never know until you put some of them to the test. I personally think the most important one is to tell them that you love them, every day, every night. No matter how much you are fighting with them. I know that I cannot sleep if I have not told mine that I love her even if she has me seeing red.

 

I have found these steps very useful in finding tranquility in my home once more. I guess it is safe to say that I have found a new joy in parenting and that would be watching a child grow into a beautiful young woman.