Creating A Safe And Supportive Home Environment For Puberty

Introduction

Puberty is a period of changes and rapid development in kids. Almost overnight, your child may have experienced a growth spurt, their voice may have begun deepening, or they might have started their periods early. While these are the physical changes they experience, on the inside, a lot of modifications are taking place as well.

Your child is finally growing up, mentally and physically, to become an adult. This makes it imperative for parents to keep an eye on and create a supportive environment at home for their kids. As your child enters puberty and teenage years, they endure a lot of stress and physical developments that may make them uncomfortable.

While girls may worry about the sudden bumps and rashes on their skin, boys may be taken aback by their new hair growth, like getting a few hairs on their face or chest. All these experiences are new and scary for them to handle alone. This is why they seek a safe and supportive confidant or space to open their hearts.

However, the rise of technology and increasing work and study demands make it difficult to keep a calm and steady head, even for parents. As a result, there can often be conflicts between tired, frustrated parents and their teens.

While the former feel exhausted, the latter feel misunderstood, and neither is wiser or happier afterward. Home should be a safe zone for kids and their parents to unwind, and their joint responsibility is to make it so for the other. So, here’s a quick guide on creating a safe and supportive home environment for kids in puberty.

Tips On Creating A Safe And Supportive Home Environment For Puberty

Open Up To Them

As your teens and pubescent kids grow up, so do their priorities and goals. They may not always respond well to being treated and sheltered like a child. But before they plunge into the icy-cold waters of reality, ease the process. Open to them about your inhibitions and feelings as a human and parent in an age-appropriate manner. Talk to them about your experiences as a teen to bond and make it easier for them.

Create A Space Of Trust

It is imperative to create a space of trust for your teens to feel safe and comfortable. However, it is not easy to gain or maintain their trust as it involves balancing the roles of parent and friend ever so delicately. Do not let either role interfere or encroach on the other’s area. This way, your kids will not feel chastised when they come to their friends or scared when they come to their parents.

Be Accepting And Empathetic

It is important to be empathetic with teenagers and pubescent kids. As times have changed, it becomes harder for parents to find common ground and relate with their adolescents. But try to put yourself in their shoes in the current world scenario and view life before giving them advice. This will make it more relatable and realistic. Also, be accepting of your kids and their choices. This does not mean scolding them for mistakes but letting them choose their path in life. You can teach them good things in the world and offer them all on a tray, but it is up to them to pick and make their choice.

Appreciate Their Efforts

It is essential to appreciate your adolescent’s efforts and show them love. While teens grow, they often forget what unconditional and selfless love feels like. Everything in the world feels judgmental and hurtful to them. In such cases, expressing your love for your child and lauding their hard work is vital. It can be as small as a hug or as funny as a cheer dance at their sport; all that matters is your expression of love.

Spend Time With Them

As children grow up and enter puberty, they start forging their own path and identity in the world. This can often feel like a growing distance between kids and parents. To avoid this feeling for both parties, it is ideal to set aside some special time every day or week to spend together. It can be anything, from playing football outdoors together to watching a movie to making pottery. As long as the activity is special, their bond will only prosper.

Maintain Boundaries

As your kids are growing older, it is important to maintain some boundaries. They will help keep your pubescent kids and teens in line. They will also teach them their limitations and help them arrange their expectations, accordingly, reducing domestic conflict considerably.

Conclusion

Puberty is a confusing and challenging period for both kids and parents. While the former are experiencing it for the first time, the latter are experiencing it again after a long time. So, it becomes a learning curve for them to traverse together. With some patience and this handy guide, both are bound to emerge triumphant and closer than ever.