We all know that teens can be fun to be around, but they also can be stubborn! Whether it is just hormones, they’ve had a terrible day, or they just need extra guidance, they can make life challenging for parents. But there are some steps you can take to help guide them to becoming productive adults.
Two great ways to discipline stubborn teens
Although stubborn teens may be a bit difficult at times, there are simple, yet effective ways to handle them!
Get involved and be clear
Do not shy away from making your expectations clear. Let your teens know the type of behavior you expect from them. Do you want them to come home at a certain time after they have been out with friends? Consider saying, “Please be sure to come straight home after the party,” “Please come home when the movie is over,” etc. When you make your expectations known — and enforce them — your teens will know you expect them to follow the rules. Also, when you’re working out rules and limits, get your teens’ input. Everyone wants to be heard! Typically, teenagers are more inclined to see you and the situation as fair when they feel like they’ve had a voice.
Consequences are appropriate
Sometimes, you may need to withdraw the privileges of teens. But use this action sparingly or it could eventually become ineffective. Before applying expectations and possible consequences, make sure your teens understand what will happen if their behavior is not acceptable. If the teens you are working with are not cooperating, try taking away something they enjoy, such as television, cell phones, games, etc. A popular choice is the cell phone! Teens hate not having their phone at all times. They will begin to realize that you’re serious about applying consequences for bad behavior.
Two not-so-great ways to discipline stubborn teens
Dealing with stubborn teens may be complicated, but make sure to avoid making the situation worse!
Not making the effort to listen to your teens
We all want to be heard, considered, and understood. When teens are going through changing emotions and growing phases, being heard is often what they need the most. If you do not make an effort to listen to teenagers, they may not feel valuable and considered. Then, they will not feel the need to give you the respect you deserve. When disagreements happen between you and your teenagers, make sure you give them the proper space and opportunity to express their thoughts. Of course, stand your ground, but also give them the proper guidance for the situation.
Applying irrelevant punishments
Consequences are necessary at times, but severe punishments often prove to be irrelevant. If they do not meet your expectation of coming home when a party is over, appropriate consequences – or rather, creative punishments for teenagers – should be applied. You can limit your teen’s social events, take away cell phones, or even prioritize extra chores and homework before going out. In addition, you can even have them come home much earlier if you allow them to continue going out with their friends. Whatever the consequences, remember they need to be relevant to the teen’s bad behavior!
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