PARENTING THROUGH ADOLESCENCE: NAVIGATING THE TEENAGE YEARS AND FOSTERING INDEPENDENCE

“Don’t worry that children never listen to you, worry that they are always watching you.”

Adolescence is a period of rapid biological and psychosocial changes, which have a salient impact on parent-child relationships hence this period of the child has to be carefully handled.

Research into parenting styles has shown repeatedly that when parents are warm, respectful, supportive, and hold consistent, firm, and rational expectations for behavior, adolescents are less likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or to abuse drugs or alcohol than their peers whose parents lack either warmth or clear expectations (or both). They are also more likely to show maturity, resilience, and optimism, and to do better in school. These results extend across ethnicities, socioeconomic status, and family structures.

It is important to note that having high expectations doesn’t mean being controlling or critical. Some studies have referred to this type of parenting as “rational demanding,” where young people can experience natural consequences for behaviors and are given explanations for their parents’ expectations. This is in contrast to “coercive demanding” practices, where parents take things away or threaten to impose negative consequences when they disapprove. Decades of research show that adolescents are more likely to respond when parents justify their decisions and demands with logical reason.

Family rules are likely to be more effective when adolescents can contribute their ideas and perspectives, and when parents give rational reasons for expectations around homework, curfews, or drinking, for example. Evidence shows that simply being told to do something, particularly in a way that makes adolescents feel talked down to, may have exactly the opposite effect. In the end, she would conclude this topic with the following quote: “Don’t worry that children never listen to you, worry that they are always watching you.”

Profile

Mrs. Sanjeev Chauhan, Director-Principal of Ivy World School is a senior educationist and administrator committed to fostering a positive school environment. She is a highly motivated, dynamic, and single-minded individual who focuses on achieving excellence.

In her role at Ivy World School, a renowned Senior Secondary institutions with approximately 1800 students and 130+ faculty members, Mrs. Sanjeev Chauhan demonstrates her expertise in educational philosophy and management.

Mrs. Sanjeev Chauhan is a learned professional her exceptional ability lies in crafting and overseeing policies and practices that not only ensure the safety of students but also cultivate an enriching and nurturing learning atmosphere.

Mrs. S. Chauhan believes that to develop a child holistically it is needed that school and parents work together, especially during their adolescence which is a sensitive period and she elaborately explains how parenting should be done during this phase.