How do I Help My Teenage Son Survive Clique Exclusion & Gossip?
The teenage years are one of the most difficult times in anyone's life. A teenage boy is searching for his identity, dealing with hormonal changes and facing negative issues about his self-image. Being the parent of an adolescent boy can be tough. Clique exclusion and gossip are two particularly important issues. According to statistics from the Family First Aid, 30 percent of teenagers in the United States are involved in some form of bullying. You can help your son avoid being a topic of gossip and getting bullied at school if you take the initiative.
Instructions
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Talk to your child. The last thing a teenage boy wants to do is admit he is interested in talking to his parents, but it is crucial you sit him down for a heart to heart talk. As much as he fights against it at first, he will actually really appreciate you showing you care. Make him feel comfortable and let him do most of the talking. Your goal here is to let him explain how he feels and allow him to vent. Boys deal with many troubling issues during their teenage years and often feel as though they have no one to talk to.
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Sign him up on a sports team. This helps him stay active and healthy, and also encourages social interaction. The friendlier and more outgoing your son is, the less chances of him becoming a target of bullying and gossip. Organized sports also help keep your child focused and less likely to turn to drugs or alcohol to try and fit in with the wrong crowd.
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Prepare healthy meals. One of the main causes of clique exclusion and gossip among teenagers is weight. As of August 2010, 13.9 percent of teenage boys are overweight, mainly due to poor eating habits. As a parent it is your responsibility to teach your son healthy eating habits to follow now and also later on in life.
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Maintain a healthy living environment. It is crucial you provide a warm and loving home and act as a positive role model for your son.
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Teach your son self-respect. Kids who hold their head high and feel confident are less likely to become subject to gossip and taunting from other students.
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References
- Photo Credit Teenage boy image by GeoM from Fotolia.com