If the internet is interesting to your child, help them explore it safely, by offering lots of guidance and monitoring.
More parenting tips from local famillies are available on our YouTube channel.
Let your child play | keep them safe. (transcript) |
Video descriptionWoman and child viewing a computer screen. Text of screenLet your child play. Woman's voiceWe connect by letting our kids explore things that interest them. When our son wanted to start a YouTube channel at a younger age we said yes with plenty of monitoring and support from mom and dad. Text on ScreenLet me play. Help me grow. Keep me safe. kflaph.ca/Parenting |
Parenting a teenager can be frustrating and confusing, but if you work to maintain a respectful and supportive relationship, the rewards are huge. You'll watch your child transform and grow in ways you never imagined.
Let your teenager play |
In adolescence, play contributes to healthy brain and body development. As a parent, you can:
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Help your teenager grow |
Teens need routines, sleep, healthy food, and lots of physical activity for optimal growth. As a parent, you can:
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Keep your teenager safe |
Teens need to go out into the world to learn how to manage on their own, but they still need their parents to help keep them safe.
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Resources |
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Taking care of yourself doesn't always mean taking time to be alone or away from your children. While some people find time away refreshing, it can be very difficult to arrange. Make self care part of your daily routine. This can be as simple as taking a walk on your break at work, making sure you get to bed on time, or taking 5 minutes in the morning to eat a healthy breakfast.
Reach out for support |
You've probably heard the phrase It takes a village to raise a child. This is true! It is okay to ask for help from your family, friends, and the community. |
Learn about parenting |
Parenting isn't always easy. It's a skill you learn.
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Take care of your physical well-being |
This means eating well, getting enough sleep, and being active. While this isn't always easy to do, its important as parents to make the time.
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Take care of your mental health and well-being |
Your teenager is affected by your mood and emotions, good and bad. While you cannot eliminate all stress from your life, it is important that you find ways to cope with stress. If you need help now, visit Addiction and Mental Health Services, KFL&A
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Once children become teenagers, maintaining parent-child relationships may be more challenging. Teens may spend less time with their parents and seek more opportunities to be independent.
Listen to your teenager |
Active listening lets your teenager know that you hear and care about what they say.
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Respond to your teenager |
Set aside time to talk. It is one of the most important things you can do to build a healthy relationship with your teen.
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Connect with your teenager |
The more you connect, the stronger your relationship will become. Look for ways to connect and communicate in your daily routines.
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Your teen's relationship with you is key to their health, development, and well-being. Warm and responsive parenting builds a strong foundation for developing trust, confidence, self-control, and healthy relationships.
As teens mature and spend more time away, parents may need to work harder to keep a strong connection.
Help your teen recognize their emotions |
Teens can be emotional, have mood swings, and have intense responses to issues or events.
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Help your teen work through their emotions |
Help your teen cope with strong feelings in a positive way.
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Community members submitted their own videos sharing tips on how to listen, respond, and connect with your child. View all of the videos on our agency's YouTube channel.