Adolescence is a time that can create strain in the parent-child relationship. Puberty can bring an abundance of mixed emotions, while your daughter’s teenage years are also a time when she is building her independence. This may result in your teenage daughter developing a world view that is dramatically different to your own. Here are 5 Tips for improving your relationship with your teenage daughter. A must read for all mums…
While your daughter’s teenage years may be hard for both of you, there are steps you can take to smooth her transition into womanhood.
Here are 5 Tips for improving your relationship with your teenage daughter:
1. Cultivate healthy arguing:
Teens typically perceive an argument to be far less destructive than their parents do. Indeed research indicates that arguing is a sign of respect, whereby the teen believes that they have a chance of being heard by their parents which may result in a concession to the rules in their favour. If your child doesn’t argue, they are probably more inclined to lie.
2. Recognise that teenagers will lie to their parents:
Research into lying behaviour suggests that 96 per cent of teenagers lie to their parents, irrespective of how strict or permissive their parents are. The main reason cited for lying is to protect the relationship with their parents. Withholding information enables teenagers to forge an identity that is separate from their parents. Minimise lying by supporting your child’s autonomy and encouraging her to make independent decisions.
3. Get a good night’s sleep:
Studies show that children and teenagers are getting one hour less sleep per night than they did 30 years ago. The symptoms of chronic sleep deprivation in teens and tweens include moodiness, depression and even binge eating. It has also been linked to obesity, a significant drop in IQ and reduced academic performance. It follows that relationships will improve all around after a good night’s sleep.
4. Do regular, enjoyable exercise together:
Try walking, yoga or dance. You’ll associate each other with feeling good and conversation will be easier.
5. Respect each other’s needs:
This includes listening to the needs of your menstrual cycles. Women living together often find menstrual cycles synchronise, so it’s likely you’ll have parallel emotions, but everyone experiences their cycle differently. Charting your cycle is one way you can both recognise your patterns, plan ahead and allow for this time. It’s also important to acknowledge that you may need downtime when you are premenstrual or have your period. Allowing yourself that space means you can restore your reserves.
Do you have any tips for improving your relationship with your teenage daughter? Tell us in the comments below.
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