Set To Soar

Its time for teen spirit. If you want to connect with your teenager and guide them through their next chapter of life with ease , conscious parenting is key, say experts.

- Carrol Baker

As a parent of a teenager you might find yourself shaking your head in bewilderment. How did those tender years etched with love, laughter and tears, those first tentative baby steps, first days at school and first play dates pass by in a heartbeat?

Your once sprightly pre-schooler has grown and is longing to spread their wings, to experience freedom, to make their own choices and their own decisions in a world you know will bring them both joy and heartache. As a parent you want to protect your child from all of life’s hurts and letting them go isn’t easy.

Alex Urbina, author of The Inspirational Parent: The Magical Ingredients for Effective Parenting, says conscious parenting is key if you have a teenage child. “Conscious parenting is not about being perfect; it’s about being aware. Aware of what your kids need from you to reach more of their full potential.” So how do you go about determining your child’s needs, in order to be a conscious parent? Listening to your teen is a good place to start.

Listen up

The art of listening is never more important than when talking to your teenager. Dr Kimberley O’Brien, a child psychologist from Quirky Kid Clinic, says letting your child know they’re being heard shows respect for their feelings. “Using phrases like ‘I hear you’, ‘I’m listening’ and ‘I take your point’ are a bit like reflective listening,” she says. “Then if you need to tell the child you want to absorb what they’ve said for a moment, that can slow the conversation down. Putting pauses in the conversation can help if it looks like it will escalate into conflict.”