Hearing the phrase “puberty,” everyone who is somehow connected with children involuntarily shudders: parents, teachers, social workers, etc. Adolescence is indeed a rather difficult period when parents suddenly and with horror discover that their little long-haired princess cut her hair and dyed it bright pink, becoming a punk, and her beloved mother's boy and father's son came with the smell of cigarettes in her hands. Why Is it really that hard to get through this time? First of all, this is more difficult for those parents who do not want to admit that their child has already grown up, and now they need to take into account the opinion of another almost adult person in the house. In second place are frequent conflicts, a decrease in academic performance, and fear that this child, essentially still a child, may “break the woods” like an adult. How to get ready and help yourself and your child survive this difficult test? It is necessary and important to start preparing in advance. Building trusting relationships in the family is a priority from the birth of a baby. If this goal is achieved, during adolescence you will gently move from the category of the main adult to the senior mentor and friend, while maintaining your authority. Give your teenager the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them. Let him feel independent. The child should know that in case of any difficulties he can turn to you for support and receive it. He should not be afraid to tell you that he tried smoking, that changes are happening in his body, that he had an unrequited love. Should not be embarrassed to ask about contraception, sex life and other “forbidden” things. Puberty is a great time to consolidate the ability to take responsibility for one’s decisions and actions. Parents are sometimes simply scared that their tiny baby acquires secondary sexual characteristics and becomes like them. This is influenced by widespread sexual illiteracy - it is passed on from generation to generation! If their adults did not conduct sex education with their parents, then they most often do not consider it necessary to conduct it with their children. They shame girls for menstruation, for body odor, and at best they simply remain silent. This absolutely cannot be allowed! Explaining to the child what is happening to him during this difficult period is the primary task and responsibility of the parents. Yes, from the point of view of nature, your child is growing up and becoming ready for procreation and independent life - this is the main function of adolescence. Just accept this fact and act on it. For some parents, it becomes simply an insurmountable obstacle and even grief that their children now spend more time with friends and listen to the opinions of other people. Remember that with a warm, trusting relationship, the child will never forget about his family, this period will simply pass, and you will continue to be close as before. Visit a family and child psychologist, this will generally solve most problems at once. An authoritative, friendly adult outside the family is always helpful (this could be any other person with whom you do not live on a permanent basis and whom you trust). Do not include a dictator, this will only cause even more resistance. Tell us about what difficulties you have encountered are you/your children at this age? What was your parents'/your own strategy? Book a consultation: WhatsApp, Telegram +7 913 380-83-42 Skype: as3808342 Learn to manage your emotions!💪