The teenage years of a male child are a very delicate period, and it is lovely and frightening at the same time. Often, most parents give the teen a bit of space and less attention to let them become independent. However, with the teenage years comes risk-taking behaviors, hence the need to pay attention to their needs.
The teenage years are the best period for mothers to connect with their teenagers by listening and talking to them. Paying attention in the right way will help prevent the teenage boy from making some grave mistakes. Keep reading this article to learn more about what mothers need to know about their teenage sons.
9 Things Moms of Teen Boys Should Know and Can Do to Stay Connected With Their Sons
Raising a teenage boy requires the mother to be sensitive and pay attention to their needs. It is vital to building a healthy, loving, and strong relationship. There are several things a mother of a teen boy should do:
1. Spend time together: Spend some alone time with him while doing things he enjoys. The mother must be willing to spend at least twenty focused minutes a day with him.
2. Listen and observe: It is important to listen and observe whatever he has to say. Ask questions to show curiosity and interest to help him open up. Only offer advice or suggestions when he has finished his thoughts.
3. Educate them to know it’s not all about them: Teach and educate your teenage boys that it’s not always about them. It is crucial to teach them they are not the center of the universe, and they can’t always get what they want.
4. Showing affections in public: Be careful with touches to avoid making him uncomfortable, especially in public. Respect and let him have his privacy when he needs a little time for himself.
5. Discipline when necessary: Learn effective discipline methods and be kind and firm when disciplining.
6. They think they know everything: The teen will think he knows everything and might even say it to your face. It won’t be easy to get them to listen and obey you every time.
7. Teach them empathy: Find some time to discuss current events and situations with the teenager and ask questions. Ask them how they think people in those situations are feeling. Empathy is a crucial trait that will help them respect and understand other people’s feelings and respond appropriately.
8. Not everyone will like them: It is crucial to teach teenage boys that they can’t force everyone to like them. Also, it is essential to let them know that rejection is part of life and there’s nothing they can do about it.
9. They will take more risks: They will take more mind-numbing risks they wouldn’t take before. A teen boy’s brain is reckless and fearless; hence, they have little to no sense of consequences.
Other Things Moms of Teen Boys Should Not Do
There are several other things that moms of teenage boys should not do.
Teenage boys are no longer little kids, and they will have questions. Your parenting must grow along with him in order to keep the bond you’ve formed when he was younger.
When your teenager expresses himself to you, do not multitask. It shows the teenager that their thoughts do not warrant your full attention.
Let your teenager finish his sentences before you respond. It is best to listen and observe more and interrupt less.
Some Effective Ways to Talk to Your Sons
The following are some practical ways to communicate with your teenage son.
Pick the right time and environment to have a conversation with him (preferably casually)
Refrain from lecturing him and making him feel comfortable
Listen to what he’s saying and do not patronize him
Keep calm and try to understand his point of view
Final Thoughts
The teenage years of a boy are a delicate stage, and mothers need to learn how to communicate and build strong relationships. There will be multiple new behavioral traits in the boy. Mothers need to listen and observe when their son speaks with them before giving their opinions.