How to Deal with Your Teenage Boy

Any parent with a teenage boy knows that raising them can be a challenge. They often come packed with attitude, sulkiness, anger, sexual energy, and all kinds of other things that may be difficult to handle. The key to dealing with a teenage boy is providing them with the right tools to handle their own challenges, and being there, with consistency, for them. Here are three tips that can be applied to dealing with any issue or problem a teenage boy comes with:

Open communication- First and foremost, make sure your teenage boy knows that they can talk to you, and you will listen, without judgment. Many times teenage boys are going through changes in their bodies, and socially, and are not properly equipped to deal with these changes, but fear talking about them, or being embarrassed. The more open your lines of communication, the more comfortable they will feel, and the less problematic these problems will be.

Consistent behavioral discipline- Another key aspect to dealing with teenage boys is something that applies to dealing with all children, of all ages. If you want your teenage boy to respect the rules and boundaries you set, and to trust that you will be there for them, and what not, you have to be consistent. This means that the same behaviors should always warrant the same punishments. This does not mean you can’t escalate the discipline as the behavior escalates. For example, if they cut class, the first time they may be grounded for a weekend. The second time, for a week, and the third time, for every weekend for the month, etc. However, every time they cut class, they need to be disciplined, and it should probably be the same discipline each time, in this case, grounding. If they know what to expect, they will modify their behavior based on what they find as an acceptable level of discipline for what they want. In other words, they will know how bad the consequences will be, and will weight things out before making a choice.

Information- It is a good idea to provide your teenage boy with information about things that they may be going through. This might include aspects of puberty such as voice changes or involuntary erections. As you provide them with information, you provide them with tools for handling their embarrassment, etc. Teenage boys are often belligerent, and rebellious in order to hide their insecurities or weaknesses. They may be embarrassed about their voice squeaking, so they may refuse to talk, this might include to teachers, parents, etc. So, arm them with the tools to deal with the challenges they will face, and they will respond far better, making your job easier.

When dealing with teenage boys, just remember to be patient. They eventually grow out of it, (hopefully), and love, encouragement, and consistency will go a long way in improving their attitude and behavior.