How to Deal With Teenagers as a Single Parent

As if parenting teenagers isn't difficult enough, millions of single parents find themselves facing that challenge alone. Despite the challenges, some of the approximately 12 million single parent families includes well-adjusted teens and parents.

Instructions

1. Create a home that is secure and loving so that everyone feels safe. Say, "I love you" regularly.

2. Keep channels of communication open. In any parent-teen relationship, communication is one of the most important determinants for a successful relationship. Never forget to listen.

3. Remember that teenagers are still children who need boundaries, guidance and a role model. No matter what type of stress you're under, you still need to be a parent to your teen, not a buddy. And your teen doesn't need to play at being a parent either.

4. Respond to teenagers honestly when they express worries about present circumstances or the future. Teens do worry about what will happen if something happens to you. They also worry about you when it's time for them to leave for college. Don't dismiss their worries, but try to provide some reassurance with that honesty.

5. Get help from a counselor specializing in teenagers and family therapy if life at home seems to be spiraling out of control. When a marriage breaks up during the teen years, teenagers may experience upsetting feelings that leads to major rebellion.

6. Realize that it's normal for teens to rebel, whether a marriage has broken up or not. Not everything is about your status as a single parent. Sometimes teenagers rebel because they're teenagers.

7. Recognize that single parents can't be both mother and father to teenagers. If the other birth parent isn't a part of your child's life, see if a relative of the same sex can take a special interest in your child.