How Can I Protect My Kids and Still Let Them Be Independent?

It can be difficult for teens to have a feeling of self-sufficiency and independence when their parents are always looking over their shoulders and micro-managing their every activity.

Everybody needs a little space. That’s why it is crucial that parents work closely with teens to help them with learn how to grow while still having safe life experiences under the protection of effective parenting. You’ve probably asked yourself many times, “How can I keep my teen safe?”

Educate Your Teen  

The key to answering this question is education. Making your teen aware of the outside world’s inherent dangers, while still allowing him or her to choose their own experiences with no stifling on your part, should be one of your parenting techniques. You want them to have confidence and independence, but to stay safe at the same time.

What You Can Do

Giving your teen a sense of independence can be as simple as allowing some away from home time, like a sleepover at the home of a friend or an outing at the mall. Have them check in with you, so that they understand that you need to know they are safe, but you’re not suffocating them. You can also encourage extracurricular activities, like clubs or sports, to further encourage their sense of self-confidence and independence. 

Spying or Protection?  

Many of the things that parents do for protecting children could be misconstrued as spying, but they are actually methods for keeping them safe. Teens and parents often end up fighting about where boundaries exist, but the need for establishing them is crucial.

Teen Behavior  

If teens are behaving well and can obviously be trusted, it is important that you let them know that they are being rewarded for that good behavior. On the other hand, if you discover that they are involved in risky behavior, let them know that there can be serious consequences to their actions. Remind them that privacy is not a right, but a privilege.

Problem Teen or Avid Reader?

In some cases, if your teen is shutting him or herself up in the bedroom way too much of the time, it could be a sign of a problem. On the other hand, if your teen simply loves to read everything she can get her hands on, try considering the fact that it could be just that.

Help for Parents in Crisis

There are those teens that really do need the supervision, however--and perhaps, as a parent, you've done as much as you can and things are still going badly. It's time to seek out help. Elevations RTC has professional counselors and teachers to help your teenage son or daughter reach their full potential and learn how to be responsibly independent.

Elevations RTC is a program that specializes in both therapy and excellent academics for teens. To find out more, call us at (855) 290-9681.