How to deal with young love? Tips for parents and students!
Falling in love is an intense emotional experience at any age. But during adolescence, when everything feels bigger, and it’s all happening for the first time, the ups and downs can be even more extreme. Between the flood of teen hormones and the other physical and emotional changes associated with puberty, young love can feel like a roller coaster. It’s exhilarating, scary, and full of heart-lifting highs and stomach-dropping lows.
Parents are mostly watching from the sidelines as teenage relationships play out. However, as a parent, you can take an active role in providing support as your child navigates teen love. So it’s helpful to know what behaviours to expect from a teenager in love, and how to offer dating advice for your child without invading their privacy.
Here is how you can show your child that you are on their team:
Say NO to 'parents vs children' and Say YES to 'parents + children = family'
1. Accepet and not deny teenage relationships.
It is quite tough for parents to accept and cope with the reality of their situation. Following the first shock and potential denial of the situation, you must take time to:
Take the time to do things that will help you quiet your unsettled emotions and think clearly.
Sort out any differences of opinion you have with your partner or spouse so that you may present a united front to your child.
Choose to approach the situation with the sole intention of helping your child.
Reach out to your distressed child with empathy and compassion, and be understanding towards her.
Let her know that as a family, you are all on the same side and that together you can sort things out.
2. Understand your child's feelings.
As parents, you must make an effort to understand the changes that occur during puberty. We are familiar with the bodily changes, but less familiar with the critical social and emotional changes. You can learn how to interpret your child's feelings and emotions.
Childhood dependence on parents soon gives way to a search for freedom and independence during the teen years. While you need to take a step back, you must continue to build your relationship with your child and strengthen the bond you both share. You can do this by:
understanding that your child still needs you, though in different ways.
understanding your child's swiftly changing moods and outbursts are mostly not about you, but because of hormonal changes that occur during puberty, so don't take it personally.
continuing to be there for her when she needs you. They will let you know when and why; or your keen and quiet observations will alert you to when they need you around. When that time comes, express your concern, that you notice something may be bothering them, and ask if they would like to talk to you about it.
3. Communicate with your child about love and relationships.
As uncomfortable as you are with love and relationships, you must make an attempt to push yourself beyond of your comfort zone as a parent. Children expect their parents to be open-minded. This allows them to more willingly listen to their parents' worries while also creating an emotionally secure environment for discussion, sharing, and problem-solving.
Communication revolves around word choice, tone of voice, body language, listening to comprehend, mutual respect, a readiness to apologise, and setting aside biases. Many parents are hesitant to discuss love and romantic relationships with their children. Even so, it is best to make an effort; otherwise, youngsters may be influenced by the media and the opinions of their peers.
4. Validate and celebrate their experience.
Your first teenage love is an amazing, powerful, and unforgettable experience. It’s easy for parents to focus on worrying about and protecting their teen instead of celebrating what they’re going through. This is an important rite of passage, and your teen can enjoy it more if they have your approval and positive energy.
5. Protect them from toxic teen relationships.
Watch for signs that indicate your children isn’t being treated right in their romantic relationship, including:
Their partner tries to control their behaviour
One or both teens act extremely jealous and overprotective
Unexplained bruises or injuries
Withdrawing from friends and family and spending time only with the new partner
Frequent arguments between the couple or between the teen and parent
If you notice these indicators that your child may be in a toxic teen relationship, it’s your responsibility to protect them. Explain clearly and calmly why you feel this is an unhealthy dynamic and why it’s necessary to keep them apart.
Your child is going through a period of tremendous self-discovery, and you must support that process as much as possible. Believing that parenting an adolescent is only tough and challenging simply robs you of your ability to support your teen child. Take heed!
Also, if you’re struggling on having a will to study - here are some ways to overcome Procrastination!