Setting Boundaries for Your Teenager

All teenagers need firm boundaries in order to grow up into well adjusted, happy adults. To discover how to start setting reasonable boundaries for your teen, keep reading.

Limit Your Teenagers Screen Time

In today’s fast-paced, technology-obsessed age, many of your teenager’s friends may be glued to their smartphones and laptops for most of each day. However, as a parent, it’s well worth putting fair rules in place that restrict your teenagers’ screen time. As an example, you may be interested in placing your teenager’s smartphone as well as your own smartphone in a drawer, when you’re enjoying family dinners. As a way of teaching your teenager that face to face communication is more important than getting likes from strangers on Instagram.

Don’t Stop Your Teens from Socializing on Their Smart Phone

Don’t try to stop your teen from texting their friends or having social media accounts as they’ll just end up hiding their behavior from you. Instead, allow your teen to use their smartphone for short periods of time. As an example, it’s a great idea to turn your home’s internet connection off after 9 pm or 10 pm at night.

Ensure That Your Rules are Age Appropriate

Of course, the rules which you choose to put in place should keep your teenager’s age in mind. As it’s important to give your teenagers more independence as they grow up. In order to show your teen that you trust their judgment. As an example, if your teen is aged 13-16 you may want to give them an earlier curfew than you’d give a teen who is 17-18 and who is effectively a young adult.

Put a Curfew in Place

As a parent it’s a wise idea to put a curfew in place, in order to ensure that your teen is safe in the evenings. Even if you teen claims that their friends don’t have curfews, remember that it’s crucial for teenagers to have boundaries in place, for their own well-being and safety. So, you should never feel guilty about setting a curfew for your teenager.

Don’t Be Afraid to Set Rules About Dating

It’s natural for your teen to become interested in dating as they mature. However, as a parent it’s still your job to ensure that your child doesn’t rush into experiences that they may not be ready for. So, you may want to set a minimum age for dating, in your family. As an example, many parents allow their kids to start dating once they turn 15 or 16 years old. If your teen does start to date with your permission, you may also want to set a clear boundary that your teen isn’t allowed to socialize in their room with their boyfriend or girlfriend. You can also insist that your teen only goes out on dates at a reasonable time of day. As it’s unreasonable for a teen to stay out with their boyfriend or girlfriend past 10 pm.

Hopefully, you now have all the information which you need to start setting fair boundaries for your teenager. As all teenagers need guidance and boundaries in order to mature into happy, healthy adults.