Volume 13: March 5, 2023
Written by: Fidha, Mana, and Remi
Parent-Teen Relationships
Relationships with parents can become really complicated and difficult to manage, especially throughout adolescence, or our teenage years. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as the rapid physical, emotional and social changes in our bodies and minds, and our parents having never dealt with this sudden change from the perspective of a parent (Laursen & Collins, 2009 [3]). As such, problems may be left unresolved and end in harsh disagreements, yelling at one another, or refusing to speak to one another. This article explores ways that we can do our best to maintain good relationships with parents!
Why the Struggle?
Although relationships between you and your parents may be difficult to manage, there are many ways to maintain a good relationship with each other. One of the most important ways to maintain a good relationship is to spend quality time with your parents. When you become a teenager, you may think that spending quality time with parents isn’t the best. But reinforcing family bonds can help you feel a sense of support and well-being. Family meals, board games, and movie nights can all be good ways to spend quality time with family.
Another way to maintain a good relationship with your parents is often to be honest with them. When you tell them what bothers you, it helps avoid your negative feelings from being bottled up and resentment to form. Make sure to communicate your feelings gently and respectfully. You should also keep your humor when you are around your parents. By spreading positive words and making each other laugh, it can relieve stress for the both of you. Something else you could do is to express appreciation for everything your parents do for you. Although it may not seem like it, your parents are often working hard to support your household. By showing your thankfulness for them, they may feel happier about everything they’re doing. Although relationships you and your parents may be hard to handle, these methods can help you strengthen and maintain a good relationship with them.
Data
A mere 61% of teen boys aged 12-13 enjoy spending time with their parents. [1]
Girls feel this way even less, coming in at 60%. [1]
The percentages decrease with age. Boys aged 14-15 sit in at 50%, whilst girls are at 45%, the lowest number yet. [1]
Approximately 28% of all teens only eat dinner with their parents 1-3 days a week. [2
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Sources:
Baxter, M. Y. and J. (2018, November 1). 5. relationships between parents and Young Teens. 5. Relationships between parents and young teens. Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://growingupinaustralia.gov.au/research-findings/annual-statistical-report-2017/relationships-between-parents-and-young-teens [1]
Youth statistics: Family structure and relationships. Adolescence - ACT for Youth. (n.d.). Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://actforyouth.net/adolescence/demographics/family.cfm [2]
Laursen, Brett & Collins, Willard. (2009). Parent—Child Relationships During Adolescence. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229464381_Parent-Child_Relationships_During_Adolescence [3]
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