Strengthening the relationship with a teenage daughter can be a challenge, since adolescents are going through a very important stage of emotional and physical development. However, there are several things you can do to strengthen your relationship with your teenage daughter.
Strengthen your relationship with your daughter in these ways
Having a good relationship with your teenage daughter can be challenging, but it’s critical to her emotional and mental well-being. Here are some research-backed ways to strengthen your relationship with your teenage daughter.
Effective communication
It is essential to maintain open and effective communication with your adolescent daughter. Listen to her opinions and respect her feelings. Be honest and talk to her in a calm and friendly way.
Spend time together
Take time to share with your teenage daughter. You can do activities together that you both like, like watching movies, playing sports, cooking together, etc.
support their interests
Support your teenage daughter’s interests. If she is interested in a particular activity or hobby, encourage her to keep going and help her out where you can.
be a role model
Remember that your teenage daughter sees you as a role model. She tries to be a good example in your behavior and attitudes.
Set limits
It is important to set clear and consistent limits. This helps your teen understand what is expected of her and feel safe.
show affection
Show your teenage daughter that you love and appreciate her. You can do this in many ways, such as telling her you love her, giving her a hug or kiss, or just spending time together.
Effective communication
It is important to maintain open and effective communication with your teenage daughter. Listen to her opinions and respect her feelings. Be honest and talk to her in a calm and friendly way.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, open and effective communication between parents and adolescent children helps prevent mental and emotional health problems in adolescence and beyond. [1]
Spend time together
Take time to share with your teenage daughter. You can do activities together that you both like, like watching movies, playing sports, cooking together, etc.
Harvard University mentions that spending quality time together is crucial to maintaining a good relationship between parents and teenagers. [2]
support their interests
Support your teenage daughter’s interests. If she is interested in a particular activity or hobby, encourage her to keep going and help her out where you can.
The nonprofit organization KidsHealth suggests that parents support the interests of their teens, as this helps them develop skills and self-confidence. [3]
be a role model
Remember that your teenage daughter sees you as a role model. She tries to be a good example in your behavior and attitudes.
A study published in the journal child development found that teens who had parents who acted as role models were less likely to engage in risky behavior. [4]
Set limits
It is important to set clear and consistent limits. This helps your teen understand what is expected of her and feel safe.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents set clear and reasonable limits for their teens, as this helps them develop a sense of security and predictability in their lives. [5]
show affection
Show your teenage daughter that you love and appreciate her. You can do this in many ways, such as telling her you love her, giving her a hug or kiss, or just spending time together.
The non-profit organization Family Lives suggests that showing affection to adolescent children is valuable in maintaining a good relationship with them. [6]
It’s important to note that these are just a few of the ways you can strengthen your relationship with your teenage daughter. Every family is different, and what works for one may not work for another. The most important thing is to be present, understanding and willing to work together to maintain a healthy and happy relationship.
Bibliography:
- American Academy of Pediatrics. “Healthy Communication Practices and Relational Connectedness Promote Adolescent Mental Health.” Pediatrics, vol. 144, no. 6, Dec. 2019. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/144/6/e20191635
- Harvard Health Publishing. “Strengthening Parent-Teen Relationships.” Harvard Health Blog, 10 Jan. 2020. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/strengthening-parent-teen-relationships-2020011018636
- KidsHealth. “Helping Your Teen Choose a Hobby.” Nemours Foundation, 2022. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/help-teens-hobby.html
- Telzer, Eva H., et al. “Parenting at the Intersection of Race and Socioeconomic Status: Predictors of Parent and Youth Outcomes.” Child Development, vol. 89, no. 4, Jul/Aug. 2018, p. 1226-1241. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/cdev.12949
- American Academy of Pediatrics. “Parenting Teens: Guiding Kids Through Turbulent Years.” HealthyChildren.org, 1 Nov. 2015. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Parenting-Teens.aspx
- Family Lives. “Relationships with Teenagers.” Family Lives, 2022. https://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/teenagers/communication-emotions/relationships-with-teenagers/