Are you parent of a pre-teen or teenager?

Hello readers, I am Diana Duque, your go-to Life Coach. As a coach, I work with teenagers on a weekly basis, and I’ve noticed a few areas where I can offer helpful advice.

Certainly! As a mom of a teenager, you’re embarking on a unique journey filled with both excitement and challenges. Whether you’re a single parent or part of a supportive family, here are some insights to consider:

Navigating judgment: As a young mom, you might encounter judgment or comments from others. Remember that you’re doing your best, and it’s okay to seek help when needed.

Self-care matters: Parenting is hard work, especially during the teenage years. Prioritize self-care—ask for help, connect with support networks, and don’t hesitate to reach out to me, your life Coach I have years of experience on this field.

Staying connected: Balancing parenting responsibilities and maintaining friendships can be tough. Communicate with your friends about your feelings and find creative ways to stay connected, even if it means adjusting your hangout spots.

Setting goals: Consider your own aspirations. Whether it’s continuing education, pursuing a career, or exploring personal interests, know that you can still achieve your goals while being a dedicated mom.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Seek support, celebrate your victories, and embrace the adventure of raising a teenager! 🌟

Certainly! Let’s chat about parenting a teenager in a more down-to-earth way. 🌟

Roller coaster of emotions: Imagine riding a roller coaster blindfolded. One moment, you’re laughing together, sharing jokes, and feeling like the coolest parent. The next, you’re navigating a storm of eye rolls, slammed doors, and cryptic text messages. Welcome to parenting a teenager!
Identity quest: Your teen is on a quest to discover who they are. They’ll try on different personalities like they’re shopping for new shoes. One day, they’re a philosopher pondering life’s mysteries; the next, they’re a fashionista with a penchant for mismatched socks. Buckle up—it’s a wild ride!
The “why” phase: Brace yourself for the “Why?” avalanche. Why can’t they stay out late? Why do they have to do chores? Why can’t they dye their hair neon green? You’ll need a PhD in Teen ology to answer all those “whys”s. But hey, it’s their way of expressing independence. Just nod and smile.
Tech wizards: Teens are tech wizards. They’ll fix your smartphone settings, set up your Wi-Fi, and explain memes you didn’t know existed. Meanwhile, you’re still trying to figure out how to change your profile picture.
Mood Swings: Their moods swing faster than a pendulum. One minute, they’re ecstatic because their favourite band released a new album. The next, they’re sulking because you asked them to take out the trash. It’s like living with a human weather forecast.
Secret Language: Teens have a secret language. “Fam,” “lit,” “savage”—it’s like decoding hieroglyphics. Don’t worry; you’ll catch on eventually. Just avoid using their slang; it’s a recipe for embarrassment.
Parent-Teen Debates: Get ready for debates that rival presidential elections. They’ll argue about curfew, screen time, and whether pineapple belongs on pizza. Remember, it’s not about winning; it’s about understanding their perspective.
Heart-to-Hearts: Amid the chaos, you’ll have heart-to-heart conversations. They’ll open up about crushes, fears, and dreams. Treasure these moments—they’re the gold nuggets in the teenage mine.
Unconditional Love: Despite the eye rolls, slammed doors, and “I hate you” declarations, your love for them remains unwavering. You’re their anchor in this tempest of adolescence. And someday, when they’re adults, they’ll look back and realize you were their superhero all along. 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️

Here I am sharing a few tips that as a life Coach I give to my clients:

Show affection: Just like toddlers, teenagers need love even when they seem to value it the least. Offer hugs, kisses, and praise to remind your son that he is loved unconditionally.

Be an authoritative parent: Aim for a middle ground between being authoritarian and permissive. Set high expectations while prioritizing emotional connection. Respect his feelings, and he’ll learn to respect yours. Remember, he needs your love most when he appears to need it least.
Understand his/her world: Teenagers experience waves of new emotions and challenges. Be a role model with your stable adult brain to help him stay anchored and calm. Recognize that he’s navigating unfamiliar territory, and your understanding matters.
Avoid using shame: Instead of labelling him as “lazy,” try to understand his perspective. Using shame to control behaviour isn’t effective in the long term. Encourage positive habits without resorting to negative language.
Engage with his interests: Whether it’s gaming or other hobbies, show interest in what he enjoys. Support his sports and activities, and spend quality time together.
Set boundaries: While being kind, establish house rules. Consistency is key. Remember, teenagers are nature’s way of reminding you that they’ll eventually leave home. So cherish these moments while guiding him toward independence.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many parents face similar challenges, and with patience, understanding, and love, you can be a better mother to your teenage son or daughter 🌟

Remember, you’re not just parenting a teenager; you’re shaping a future adult. Hang in there, superhero!