My youngest has a fair few years before she hits puberty. But my eldest only has three years before he is officially a teenager. It’s quite a scary thought, to be honest. It’s got me wondering about our journey and what to expect when they finally hit those teenage years. I thought it would be a good idea to share them with you. Maybe you have some tips and advice to share with me about what to expect.
Puberty
It’s going to happen. Hormones are going to start raging through my kids' bodies as they make that progression from child to adult body. I’m going to have to explain what’s happening to my son and daughter. However sometimes when this happens, they may still be too young to understand completely what is going on. It’s a confusing time.
Dental Health
I have encouraged my kids to brush their teeth regularly since they were small. But it seems as they head into their teenage years I’m going to have to make sure they keep it up. This is the time for them to have regular check-ups with their dentist. It’s also the perfect time for any correction work to take place. We may have to visit an orthodontist if they require braces.
Birds and the Bees talk
If they haven’t picked it up by now, it will be down to me to explain the birds and the bee’s. A conversation I think every parent might dread. It’s trying to find the right way to explain it all without scaring them or over-complicating things. It’s a fine line. Maybe they will pick this up themselves, who knows?
Finance lessons
As they enter their teenage years, I think it’s the perfect time to discuss the value of money and try to teach them good lessons about finances. Encouraging them to save their pocket money and to appreciate the things that get bought with money. To learn the true cost of items and to realize money has to be earnt.
Attitude
This may be another thing that a lot of parents dread. Teenagers tend to develop an attitude, don’t they? They answer back. They may not want to do the things you want them to. It’s not about getting angry or upset with them. It’s finding the right way to communicate still. They are pushing boundaries. Much like a toddler does when having a tantrum. I think the best advice is to take what they say with a pinch of salt. They won’t mean any horrible things they might say.
Hygiene
As with puberty, this tends to be the time you have to talk about personal hygiene. The use of deodorant and washing regularly. Kids can be awful to one another in the schoolyard, so it’s essential that parents help their kids out by pointing them in the right direction. It’s all about teaching good habits to last a lifetime.
I think that’s the majority of what to expect when it comes to having a teenager. Apart from them exploring their identity and pushing boundaries, it should be plain sailing. I hope.