Teenagers are definitely crackheads

Raising teenagers and preteens can be challenging, but it's certainly achievable with the right approach.

Drawing from my own experience with raising two teenage girls and currently guiding a third, I've learned valuable lessons along the way. 

My relationship with my girls still thrives despite physical distance, we maintain such a strong bond such that sometimes when I momentarily step back, they come seeking for me. As close as we are, I have not lost my position as parent and my consent remains the seal for every of their lives decisions.

Your teenager can shock you with their actions. They sometimes do things that will leave you wondering where you got it wrong or if you really got the right baby at birth 😂 Their minds run so wild, teenagers are definitely crackheads.

One key insight is the importance of fostering a deep connection with each child. It gets to a point where you can still manage the relationship even from a distance (this works well for parents with kids in boarding school). 

Understanding their unique temperaments and perspectives is essential. Rather than resorting to frustration and reprimands, I've found that genuine empathy and listening foster better communication and mutual respect. My approach to build personal relationship with each girl, grounded in love and clear parental authority, has been transformative.

Acknowledging their struggles and offering realistic solutions: It makes sense to cast your mind back to when you were their age and realistically see things from the lens of a teenager. This helps foster a sense of connection and trust. 

The latest teenager on the block 

Teenagers crave understanding and guidance: It is important to create a safe space for open dialogue, even if it requires stepping out of the usual environment. You can take them to a different environment where you can create a relaxed atmosphere. 

Encouraging independence while providing support is key: Trusting their judgment, allowing them to make mistakes, and offering guidance when needed cultivates resilience and responsible decision-making.

Ultimately, my goal is to empower them to navigate life's challenges confidently, even when I'm not physically present. So far, trusting their upbringing and encouraging independence have yielded positive results, reinforcing my belief in their ability to make sound choices.

This is not a one-size fits all solution. It pays to try different approach if you want a different result. You can try new ways as long as it’s cruelty free, you should be able to do just fine.