- Parents of teenagers need to actively seek out opportunities to offer praise, as these opportunities are less obvious than with younger children.
- Teenagers may spend less time with their parents, making the time they do spend together more valuable. Parents should prioritize positive interactions during these moments instead of defaulting to criticism or discipline.
- There is a tendency for parents to focus on negative interactions with teens under the guise of "getting it in while they can" because interaction time is limited. This should be avoided in favor of building a positive connection.
- By making an effort to find and praise the good things teenagers do, parents can maintain a strong, positive foundation in the parent-teen relationship, which is beneficial for both sides.
Finding Moments to Praise Your Teen
As kids become teens, parents may need to be more intentional about noticing and praising positive behaviors, since interactions can become less frequent and more focused on discipline.
Sarah Clark, PhD, Pediatric Psychiatry
