{"id":1877,"date":"2025-08-06T16:08:48","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T20:08:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enmodeado.ekloweb.com\/?post_type=boite-a-outils&p=1877"},"modified":"2025-12-30T10:12:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T15:12:23","slug":"how-to-guide-your-teen","status":"publish","type":"boite-a-outils","link":"https:\/\/enmodeado.ca\/en\/boite-a-outils\/how-to-guide-your-teen\/","title":{"rendered":"How to guide your teen"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
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\r\n \r\n <\/i> <\/span>\r\n In this info sheet<\/h2>\n\n\n

During adolescence, teens gradually distance themselves from their parents to develop their own identities. However, a teen\u2019s brain has not matured and they are not always able to make the best decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though teens don\u2019t always let it show, they still need their parents\u2019 guidance to help them make good choices and gradually move towards independence as they reach adulthood.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/section>\r\n

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Independence: a learning process that happens over time and through various experiences!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What parent hasn\u2019t already said to their teen, \u201cThink before you do something!\u201d or, \u201cThink about the consequences of your actions!\u201d. What\u2019s important to know is that from age 12 to 25, the brain goes through changes that allow teens to develop planning skills. These skills include the ability to plan, to judge information or a situation, and to act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The limbic system, the area of the brain responsible for seeking strong emotions, and the frontal cortex, responsible for reason, develop at different paces. This discrepancy can sometimes lead to an explosive cocktail of risk-seeking and feeling invincible. This magical thinking that \u201cit only happens to other people\u201d is therefore present during adolescence. This means that teens may have more risky behaviours. That\u2019s when guidance from their parents becomes necessary: setting rules to keep teens safe while allowing them to have various experiences, develop and become independent.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/section>\r\n

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How to guide your teen while encouraging them to be independent?<\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n
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\r\n \r\n First and foremost: Breathe! <\/a>\r\n <\/h3>\r\n
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It\u2019s not unusual for what teens say and do to cause reactions.  Remember: your teen is not acting against you. They are experimenting, developing and learning to be independent.  Whether you feel angry, disappointed or discouraged,  take a moment to step back before you react.  It\u2019s often said that it\u2019s good to sleep on it. By letting a few hours go by, your reaction will be less emotional. You\u2019ll avoid saying things you may regret.  Above all, what\u2019s important is to maintain a relationship of trust with your teen  so that if the need arises, they\u2019ll come to you for help. For this to work, your teen needs to feel that you\u2019ll be there, without blaming.<\/p>\n\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n

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\r\n \r\n Make sure there\u2019s a safety net while considering that risk-taking is part of the learning process of becoming independent. <\/a>\r\n <\/h3>\r\n
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You have concerns about your teen\u2019s safety?  Talk about your concerns openly with your teen, asking them to suggest what would put you both at ease.  For example, your teen wants to go to a party where there will be young people you don\u2019t know?<\/p>\n\n\n\n