6 Keys to Raising Teenage Children on Summer Vacation

As we enter the summer holidays, our mentality changes; We have more time than ever to enjoy as a family and decide how to fill those free hours with leisure activities that we would hardly be able to carry out on a working day. However, this greater freedom applies to all family members, and in the event that we have adolescent children, this situation can bring with it some parenting challenges.

Although it may seem idyllic to set aside day-to-day obligations and take advantage of time with your children, things usually go wrong when you have teenagers at home. In short, living with teenagers during the holidays is usually extremely complicated. Therefore... What can you do about it?

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Keys to raising adolescent children in the summer: setting healthy limits

As we well know, adolescence is the transition period between childhood and adulthood, full of intense physical, mental and social changes. Although adolescents need role models, spaces in which to feel safe and accompanied, at this stage they also seek their own spaces and their freedom, in an eagerness to explore the world, reaffirm themselves and get to know themselves themselves. Therefore,

it is customary to identify adolescence as a period of crisis and family conflicts, where friction and disagreements between parents and children are the daily bread.

Of course, these disagreements occur throughout the year, however, thanks to routine, they go more unnoticed. What happens when summer comes? Classes end, extracurriculars are over and as a result, the adolescent spends much more time at home.

If you are interested in knowing some guidelines to be able to enjoy the summer holidays with a teenager, you have come to the right place. In today's article, we will analyze 6 keys to raising adolescent children on summer vacation so that you can make the most of this time, instead of filling it with uncomfortable situations that make you want to "survive" the summer.

1. Start empathy

First of all, it is extremely important that parents really understand where their child is in life. They must understand that he is growing up, he is no longer interested in or likes things that perhaps he was a few years ago, and above all, is beginning to seek independence. Therefore, to a certain extent, it is normal for them to spend more time in their room, to not like any plan that you propose or to prefer going out with their friends rather than with their family.

Be careful, we do not mean that they should be allowed to isolate themselves completely, since this is not good for the adolescent. On the contrary, parents must find that balance between giving him his independence, but also showing him that they are there to help him at any time, about anything. Ultimately, it is vital that parents practice empathy, remember how they felt in adolescence, and be more permissive with certain behaviors. Putting yourself in the adolescent's shoes is the only way in which you will be able to understand their behavior and, consequently, strengthen the bond with the young person.

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2. Encourage active listening

The importance of active listening is enormous. When it comes to strengthening the bond with adolescents, it is crucial that we are willing to really listen to them. Sit down with your child, practice active listening and empathy, and be prepared to start a respectful but honest dialogue. Put aside your day-to-day worries, put away your cell phone, and simply focus on what the adolescent has to tell you. Employs both verbal and non-verbal communication so that he feels that he is being heard, cared for and understood.

3. open communication

Linked to what was discussed in the previous points, establishing a communication environment where you both feel heard and respected is of the utmost importance. For this, a climate of trust and respect must be fostered, and shouting, sermons, labels, comparisons, interruptions, impositions, etc. must be avoided. Along the same lines, as a parent, try to encourage daily moments for dialogue, not just to talk about everyday topics, but also to be interested in their tastes and share your concerns and feelings.

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4. Set clear boundaries

Although a positive and understanding climate must be established, this is not synonymous with allowing everything the adolescent wants so that he does not get angry. Quite the opposite. let's not forget that parents are the leaders, and clear and firm limits must be established, assess situations, make certain decisions, know how to say 'no' when it really corresponds and accompany frustration. Do not make the big mistake of thinking that by not setting limits your relationship will improve or you will have more confidence. Limits are absolutely necessary in any relationship, and of course, in that of parents and children as well.

5. reach agreements

This summer may be the first time your teenager has gone on vacation with his friends. start going to parties, experience crushes or heartbreaks, and even consider trying a drink alcoholic. These new situations are certainly challenging for parents, so it is crucial to approach them in a positive way and make agreements in advance that both of you are comfortable with. To achieve this step, it is essential to maintain an atmosphere of trust with the adolescent, fostering open and honest communication, so that we can make sure you are not hiding information from us.

6. Don't let your fears eat you up

It is common for parents to feel a certain amount of distrust towards their adolescent children, largely due to their own fears. It is likely that during this summer there will be situations with your teenager in which you must evaluate if he is ready to go vacation with his friends, if it is appropriate to allow him to attend a party where there will be alcohol, or consider the appropriate time for his Homecoming. In these cases, it is important not letting your own fears cloud your perspective and make decisions with consistency and objectivity. Remember that teens need to feel that their parents trust them and their ability to make decisions.