Almost all parents want to give their son or daughter a good life by helping them grow. But for teenagers to develop into fully-capable and independent adults, they have to first get out of their shells. Good education, experience, and emotional support are just some of the tried-and-tested ways of giving support for your son or daughter throughout their adolescent and teenage years.
However, teenagers are quite impulsive, and their mood can easily change at a moment’s notice. Whether this stems from drastic changes in the body caused by the uptick of hormones or the need for socio-emotional development, there are various reasons why a teenager should be given some attention to how they develop.
Contrary to what most parents think, policing, and having an iron grip on a teenager’s activities and decision-making can be counter-intuitive to their development process. When adolescents and teenagers are not given emotional independence and development, this could lead to complications. Most studies have shown that their emotional and mental development are critical factors in their grades and overall performance at school.
So how do you effectively support your child and their needs in education? What are some practical ways to encourage their social and emotional development? Here’s what you’ll need to know. ;
Acknowledge Their Emotions
The first step in achieving social and emotional development among teenagers and adolescents is acknowledging their emotions and focusing on their emotional intelligence. By recognizing that your child is an independent individual with their own set of morals and personal views on the world, it will make them feel even more secure and even more confident.
Most teenagers find it hard to confide in teachers, parental figures, and adults since their opinion are easily shut down. Thus, hearing them out and letting them finish their statements can help address the issue and reassure them.
Giving Them Room For Development and Proper Education
Teenagers are always clamouring for adventure. As your son or daughter is transitioning from being a child who always needs parental supervision to an adolescent who wants to explore the world, they’ll need some space and independence to process their emotions and feelings towards others. ;
At the same time, many teenagers and adolescents still need proper education in the sciences, physical education, arts, and humanities. Fortunately, one of the most prominent high schools in Singapore for international students offers a plethora of subjects designed for your son or daughter’s socio-emotional development. Offering a variety of programs in different curricula, you’re not only developing your son or daughter’s social and emotional skills, but you’re also setting them up for success in later years of their education.
Although it might take some time for them to be physically distant from you, this is known for being one of the best ways to boost your relationship with them and give them the independence they need. This will boost their self-esteem and give them the right knowledge for their adult life. After all, experience is the best teacher, and giving them some time away from their comfort zone is one of the best ways to develop their inter-personal and intra-personal skills.
Set Yourself As An Example
Whether they are cognizant of the fact or not, most teenagers and adolescents will model much of their behaviour on their parental figures and adults in their life. Thus, you must set yourself as a prime example for them by building relationships with others.
One simple and effective way of being a good example to them is by being courteous and respectful to other individuals. Good manners and etiquette can help children properly treat others from different walks of life.
Let Them Decide For Themselves
Early adolescents and children often fear failure since this can often lead to negative consequences related to guilt and social pressure. This fear of failure can lead to the last of self-esteem and anxiety, especially when they aren’t able to make any decisions for themselves.
When it is parental figures making decisions for children, this will usually “drown out” the voices of the children and teenagers who are making decisions for themselves. Thus, it’s crucial that you hear them out on their opinions instead of making decisions for them. Not only is this a great way of developing their independence, but you are also giving them leg room for social and emotional development.
Although teenagers are already “little adults,” there’s still a lot of things that they have to learn. Proper education, giving them much-needed space, and giving them the freedom to choose are just some ways of enhancing their self-esteem and confidence. Ultimately, showing your child love and affection while being straightforward with them when it comes to their emotional problems and needs can help them grow emotionally.