The art of raising adolescents 12 to 14 years old

The 12-14 year age period is when a baby starts puberty. This is also when babies have physical, mental, emotional and social changes. In addition, hormones change at the onset of puberty. While boys develop lower pubic hair, facial hair, and lower voice, girls develop pubic and breast hair and begin their menstrual cycle. Your child may worry about these changes and wonder if he will be different from other children?

This is also the time when some Vietnamese children today are lured to try alcohol, tobacco, drugs and sex. Other problems that arise are eating disorders, depression and family problems. At this age, adolescents often make their own decisions about study, sports and friends. Babies tend to be independent, individual and have separate preferences, although parents still have an important influence. So how do parents better understand and raise their children during this period?

What are your child's specific changes during puberty?

Here are the emotional changes in your child's puberty that parents can recognize:

 Socially and emotionally:

Children will be more interested in self image, appearance and clothing;

Focus more on yourself. I wonder between my great expectations and my lack of confidence in myself;

More sorrowful;

Show interest in and are often influenced by teammates;

Show disobedience, sometimes disrespectful or cold to her parents;

Feeling stressed by pressures from school;

Eating problems arise;

Feeling sad or stressed a lot, leading to poor grades, smoking and drinking, unsafe sex and other problems.

About the ability to think and learn

Able to think more complicatedly;

Express your feelings and thoughts when you speak better;

Develops a strong sense of what is right and wrong.

How do parents raise children effectively?

Here are ways to better understand and help your child:

Be honest and straightforward with your child when talking about sensitive issues like drugs, alcohol, tobacco and sex;

Meet and get to know your child's friends;

Express an interest in your child's school life;

Help your child make wise choices and encourage them to make their own choices;

Respect ideas and relate to your child's thoughts and feelings. This is extremely important for children to understand that their parents are listening.

If a conflict arises, clarify your goals and expectations (for example, getting good grades, keeping things clean and respecting your parents). This will allow your child to have an idea of ​​how to achieve those goals (eg allowing your child to decide for themselves when, how long to do it…).

Other notes that parents need to know

Keeping your children safe is a top priority

Parents are always the people who play an important role in protecting children, whether your child is young or grown. Here are a few helpful ways to consider:

Help your child understand the importance of wearing a seat belt. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among 12-14 year olds;

Encourage your child to wear a helmet when cycling, using a skateboard or participating in interactive sports activities;

Talk to your child about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and dangerous sexual activity. You can ask your child about his or her own thoughts and opinions on the issues raised and share your own thoughts. Listen to your child and give the most honest answers;

Share with your child how important it is to have a good friend. Encourage your child to stay away from people who force them to do bad things;

Always know where your child is and if you are accompanied by an adult. You need to remind your child when to call you, where you can find them and when to go out;

Make clear rules when your child is allowed to take you home, away from dangerous elements, and complete all homework and homework before going out.

Make sure your child has a stable health

You can encourage your child to participate in physical activity, group sports or individual sports. In addition, you should ask your child to do housework and take the dog for a walk, this is also a way to help children stay active.

Meals are an important time, not only can your child choose more delicious dishes, but the conversation between members is also a part of the child's mental development.

In addition, you can limit the amount of time you spend sitting in front of the computer screen to 1 to 2 hours per day and limit the viewing program suitable for your child's age.

Puberty is a time when children change not only physically but also psychologically. Sharing, understanding, always knowing what your child needs, ... are ways that parents can help their children through this fluctuating period. Be a companion with me, who I trust in my development, parents.

You can see more:

How to detect a child with puberty disorder?

Disorders of eating habits in adolescents

Substance abuse in teenagers