As a child enters teen years, he needs a philosopher, a guide and a friend. What could be better if he gets them all of them in one and that too from you (his parents). Befriending your child is the best advice for all parents who want to know their child better in his transition phase from child to a teenager and then adult. Change is inevitable, so are the doubts that may crop up in the mind of the parents as their child grows up. Definitely parents find evolution tougher than children themselves. They may get bothered by the some common questions from time to time like - Is my child in a wrong company? Is he neglecting his studies? etc.
Communicate freely
Conversing openly and freely with your child is the prime suggestion for all parents. Create comfy and secure environment for him whenever you want to hold an important conversation. Also, be a good listener. Let your child express himself fully and avoid reacting negatively even if he acts erroneously. Slowly develop a friendly bond with him and treat him like your pal, which your child would value and love. Some of the common worries which many parents have are regarding child’s indulgence into drinking, smoking and doping. It is difficult to keep a track of your child all the time. Rather, you spying at your child, set a pact with your child where he informs about himself. He will talk openly if you will show a positive reaction to his thoughts. Also, caution your children about negative impacts these habits can generate; make them understand and not scold them.
Be friend your child’s friends
Provide your child full freedom to choose his pals and as a parent respect his choice. You need to understand importance of friends and how they are very integral part of his life. So, never show indifferent attitude towards his friends. Try not being a moral police officer rather behave as a friend. Also, accept the opposite sex as a good friend of your child and try and invite him/her at your place for lunch or dinner so that you will get to know them better.
Be a listener
Whenever possible spend as much time with your child as possible. Listen to him patiently and calmly; take his views seriously and understand what he is trying to say. He might make some errors but as good parents talk to him patiently, rather over reacting on his decisions. You may not like some new changes in him, but accept those changes.
It is ok to draw a deadline for your child, if you provide him freedom you can even keep a tab on his behavior. All you must keep in mind is that all this shouldn’t create fear for you in his mind, which will further avert him from sharing anything. Make parenting a happy experience and craft memories that will you will treasure all through your life.
