I recently surveyed this 3 in 30 community of moms and asked for topic ideas, and I have to admit, I was surprised to get so many responses for content related to teenagers. In the past, many of you listening have asked for content relating to young kids, but I guess as the podcast is growing up, so are our kids. And many of you, like me, are realizing that our kids aren’t little anymore, and we need some new parenting strategies to keep up!
I found the perfect guests to talk to us today, all about teenagerhood. Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson are comedians, mothers, and hosts of the podcast What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood. They have six teenagers between them, ranging in age from a young tween just entering adolescence to a young adult who just entered college. These women have so much experience and a refreshing perspective when it comes to motherhood, and I am thrilled to have them on the show today. Here’s our conversation about raising independent tweens and teens.
– 3 Takeaways for Raising Independent Teens and Tweens-
- Build and remove the scaffolding gradually. As parents it is our job to provide structure and support as our kids grow, and then we need to slowly step away and let the children stand on their own. We can support them by talking with them about their ideas to take responsibility and working with them to create systems to support themselves.
- Remember that rebellion is an important, developmentally appropriate stage for teenagers. Not only is it something you can’t skip, it’s a stage you shouldn’t skip. Our teens are seeking boundaries, and they need us to be their weighted blanket to keep them secure. But it’s important not to be surprised when they push back. It’s part of their growth.
- Use small moments to get your teens to talk to you. Short car rides or walks to a destination can make a challenging conversation less threatening. Also try to meet them where they are and show interest in what interests them, so all of your conversations aren’t just about discipline and issues, but rather you are building a real friendship.
>>>Are these tips about how to raise independent teens helpful? What would you add to her takeaways? Tell us in the comments below.
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