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. 

2. 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. 

3. 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.  

4. 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!

Teach your child to be respectful

Let’s be realistic here, if you ask kids to leave the playpark you are unlikely to get a respectful response from them. So being realistic about the kind of responses you get, most of the time, is essential before you start teaching them to manage their emotions, says a child psychologist at one of the best schools in Delhi. Teaching children to manage their emotions is a long process; however, the process should start early, says a veteran teacher at one of the top schools in Delhi.
One of the ways is to set a good example as your child looks to you (parents and teachers) to imbibe traits. Let us see more tips and ways to teach a child to be respectful:

1.   Be their role model 

One of the best ways is to be a role model for the kids to watch and learn. Behave in the way you would want to be treated. Treat them with respect and listen to them without interruptions and make them believe that you are most interested in listening to them.   Don’t forget to treat others in the most kind and considerate manner. Your child watches and learns from you, recommends a senior faculty and psychologist at one of the best schools in Delhi.

2. The golden words

We all remember the “Golden Words”. Good manners are shown through little gestures and simple words such as ‘sorry’, ‘please’, ‘thank you’, etc.   Set a good example by saying these words to them whenever they do something for you.  Make it a culture  to treat everyone respectfully, says a senior faculty in one of the top schools in Delhi.

3.   Acknowledge

Do not focus on their inaccurate and disrespectful behavior, instead focus on their good manners . Also, do not forget to praise their friends or peers when they behave in a certain way that impresses you, says a senior psychologist at one of the best schools in Delhi. Praising them with phrases such as ‘Good boy!’ or ‘what a nice gesture!’ or ‘Thank you for waiting for your turn…’ in the class by a teacher, is a very interesting and effective way to make them realize that it’s something that your liked and they might imbibe this quality.Never give a big reaction to a disrespectful or bad behavior, otherwise they might indulge in the same the next time they want your attention, says senior psychologist and counselor at a top school in Delhi.  Instead of reacting to them, it is advisable to take your child to a quite place and educate them about the right way and the wrong way that too politely but show your scorn. Educate them with proper verbatim such as, “Dad/Mom, please can you play with me now?”

4. Be realistic 

It is important to keep in mind all the time that it’s natural for your child to test your boundaries sometimes. When you are not prepared or realistic you may feel frustrated. Remember a child can disagree with you, it does not always mean that they are simply being rude. Don’t expect them to be polite and kind all the time; however, its upto you to educate them how to put across their scorn in a positive and well-mannered way.

 Discuss any situation with the child their behavior when you both are in a clear state of mind and calm situation. You also need to acknowledge their feelings first and then only you can teach them the proper way. Be consistent with what you teach them and make sure you remind them every time they forget. All the best!