Wednesday, November 22, 2017

5 Tips for Parents to Bridge the Generation Gap with Teenagers

As soon as your child enters teenage years, you start hearing the so-called ‘generation gap’ phrase a lot. As a parent of a teen, we often are involved in exchanges that leave us with a feeling of déjà vu’. The feelings start cropping up that we experienced in our teenage years with our parents, the change is that the boot is on the other foot now. Such exchanges sometimes target your bond that you share with your teenager, explains a Principal of one of the top schools in Delhi. Every generation has their own psychology, sense of style, conduct and existence, expression of emotions and ideas and so on, very often it is the different generation that gives rise to conflicts. However, it can be reduced if we agree to follow a rational agreement.
Let us find out ways to bridge with generation gap divide, as observed by teachers of top schools form the list of schools in Delhi:
  1. Open Communication: Communication is a very important ritual in every family. You should always know what going on in the life of your children and other family members. Especially, with teenagers sometimes conversation becomes arguments and you may not like the ideologies of this current teenage generation; however, let's make it a habit of not breaking the rules of politeness even if the discussion involves conflicting ideas, suggests a veteran teacher of one of the top schools in Delhi. We need to be respectful to our teenage kids in order to get the same respect from them. This also reduces the generation gap and open communications which reflects that you are open to their ideas as well and they will always talk to you freely. 
  1. Receptive: Well it is not an overnight job. Keeping an open mind always shows that we are educated and modern people who welcome different ideologies and culture. However, when it comes to our own home, we tend to control everything and make our own set of rules and values. Such an attitude will only result in bringing conflicts between you and the younger generation. So, in order to bridge this gap, we need to be receptive to what they have to say as a family culture. Accept and appreciate the   different points of view , advice a senior child psychologist at one of the top schools from the list of schools in Delhi
  1. Embrace :  Once you are open to their view embrace the changes that they bring. Accepting your teen's view as a propagator of the new generation is worthy of maintaining goodwill and harmony in your relationship, says a senior psychologist at one of the top schools in Delhi. Take time and adjust your teens perspective and accepting the small decisions that they make. It can instill great trust and self-confidence in them, that in turn, will develop their trust in you and bridge the generation gap.  

  1. Privacy: Becomes their confidante and a trusted friend. Respect their privacy and don’t intrude in their space. It is the most precious thing that you can do for your growing teenager, as they are also facing significant changes and going through a lot at this stage. So, finding a confidante and a true friend in you is most appropriate. They must realize that no matter how things go, you will be there for them supporting them, says a senior teacher at one of the top schools in Delhi.

5.  Quality time  : Spend quality time with them. Take them out on a vacation or a short road trip. This will strengthen their relationship with you. Fix a day when he/ she can spend an entire day with you. Take him/ her out for shopping and allow them to voice his/her views. Take care of their likes and dislikes; do not impose your decision on them. Get to know them better and make them see your life and respect your views as well. Show them that you are more than parents and can be trustworthy friends as well, suggests a senior teacher at top schools from the list of schools in Delhi. This will reduce the generation –gap when they actually witness that generation-gap is an illusion it is actually the uniqueness of different values and cultures. 

It is a not an overnight journey but a long mission. The generation gap does not arise due to a difference in age; it is because of ego clashes and attitude problems between the generations. The thumb rule is to be open and accept the changes in the society and evolve with it. All the best!

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