Navigating Relationships with Teenagers and Young Adults

From personal experience as a mom of teens and young adults, I understand that my role must evolve. I aim to support their independence while maintaining healthy and supportive connections. Don't get me wrong; I have "done it wrong" many times. I can offer myself grace, as can you. Just like parenting a baby and child came without a unique manual, parenting a young adult presents its own challenges along my journey.

Finding Balance in Support

There needs to be a balance between offering support and encouraging adult children to make their own choices. They must learn to navigate the world independently. This is an important aspect of their growth.

The Importance of Honest Dialogue

Open and honest dialogue is essential. Use emotional language and ask questions during discussions. Remember to avoid criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling; these behaviors can shut down conversations before they begin.

Establishing Boundaries

Both parents and adult children need to establish appropriate boundaries. It’s essential to respect each other's needs. This includes recognizing when to step back and allow space for personal growth.

Supporting Dreams and Goals

Parents should support their adult children's personal and professional aspirations. This means offering encouragement without giving unsolicited advice. Allow them to dream big and learn through trial and error. Ensure they know you will be their cheerleader through the bumps and mishaps.

Please avoid being what I term a "dream squasher."

Reflecting on Values

What are your core values? Does faith play a role in your decision-making? It’s crucial to remind yourself of what truly matters as you navigate relationships with your teens and young adults. Staying grounded in your beliefs can guide you through tough decisions.

Personal Growth and Counseling

I enjoy working with moms and dads at my office in Penticton, British Columbia. This can be on an individual basis, as a couple, or even in family groupings. Together, we navigate these changing relationships.

It may be important for you to work through your own triggers. The meanings you carry from your journey through childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood can significantly affect your parenting. When you identify your automatic responses, you will be better prepared for values-based parenting.

Taking the First Step

Your first mission is to book an initial session, either individually or with your co-parent. These changing relationships with late teens and young adults are well worth the effort and energy spent on counseling. Understanding that new stages can lead to exciting experiences is crucial.

Parenting is undeniably a challenge. However, an openness to personal growth indicates you are already on the path towards what really matters to you. This could be related to these essential relationships, considering you’re reading this post.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the challenges of parenting teenagers and young adults can be daunting. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Each phase brings its own set of joys and difficulties. The most important thing is to remain connected, open, and supportive as they navigate their own paths.

If you're interested in counseling services, you can book here.

-Melanie

Book Here

melanie@onejourneycounselling.com

How successfully do you feel you are navigating this teen/young adult parenting thing?

• 0%I got this! Confidence is 100%!
• 0%Someone should have warned me--challenges are huge....Help!
• 0%My kids still hang around, which tells me I am doing ok