3 Tips to Influence our Teens | Orlando Counselor

By Published On: January 30th, 20243.9 min read

Have you lost influence with your teenager?  Do you worry they listen way to much more to our side influences?  How has social media impacted your teens mental health and self image?

As parents we always are concerned about our teens and if they are making good choices with their friends and at school. We want to make sure they are staying on top of their academics so they can to get admitted to a good university. We ask if they are hanging out with the right friends, and having good manners to name just a few. When our children develop into their adolescent period our main parenting job morphs into being their coach.

Teen Parents are like Coaches!  It is important to for parents to give up some control over our adolescent’s lives by giving them more opportunities with decision making while they are still in our homes so they can make mistakes and learn from them before they go to college. Ultimately parents have the authority to change the course if they are making risky or dangerous decisions.   As parent or coaches we have the authority to give them more and more privileges as they make better and better choices but coaches have the right to put them on the bench when those privileges are not used properly or mismanaged.   This is a teaching moment to coach and train them the right steps and direction that needs to be taken. Parents do not be afraid of our teen’s anger if they do not like the limits we are imposing. Just in sports an athletic coach does to train and discipline their athlete or mentee to be the very best they can be.

Do as I say not as I do!  This is Easier said Than Done!  What we need to realize as well that we are very influential for our teens as role models. We need to be demonstrate the appropriate behavior that we desire to see from our teenager. Actions speak louder than our words so it is important that out lives need to be demonstrating what we are coaching and encouraging them to do.  Here are a few tips on how we can be more and more of a positive influence on our adolescent’s life.

Raising adolescents presents unique challenges, and as parents, it’s crucial to adopt strategies that enhance your influence and foster a healthy relationship. Here are three effective parenting tips rooted in expert advice and psychological research, designed to empower you and your teen.

  1. Embrace Accountability and Forgiveness: Demonstrating the courage to admit mistakes and seek forgiveness is foundational to building trust and responsibility in your adolescent. Historical parenting models where errors were rarely acknowledged have proven to be less effective. By owning up to your mistakes, you set a powerful example, encouraging your teen to do the same. This approach not only nurtures accountability but also humanizes the parent-child dynamic, making the tumultuous teenage years more navigable. Acknowledging flaws and apologizing sincerely can significantly bolster your credibility and influence as a parent.
  2. Moderate Alcohol Consumption: The relationship between parental behavior and teen alcohol use is well-documented. If you advocate for responsible alcohol consumption, ensure your actions align with your words. Excessive or stress-induced drinking can inadvertently endorse alcohol as a coping mechanism. Families with a history of substance misuse should be particularly vigilant. Adopting and modeling healthy stress-relief strategies—like physical activity, engaging hobbies, or professional counseling—can steer your teen away from substance reliance and demonstrate effective emotional management.
  3. Foster Open Communication and Manage Anger Constructively: Listening is as crucial as advising. Teens often feel misunderstood when their perspectives aren’t acknowledged. By actively listening and validating their emotions, you create a supportive environment conducive to open dialogue. This validation makes them more receptive to guidance. Moreover, modeling constructive anger management, as opposed to aggression or avoidance, teaches teens to navigate their emotions healthily. These communication skills are essential for their emotional and social development.

Creating a nurturing environment where teens feel safe to express themselves and learn from their experiences is paramount. Total Life Counseling Center, led by Dana West, MSW, LCSW, offers specialized support for teens and parents navigating these challenges. For more insights and professional assistance, reach out to the experts at Total Life Counseling Center, renowned for their commitment to adolescent well-being and parental coaching.

For further guidance and support, feel free to contact Total Life Counseling Center at (407) 248-0030, where a team of dedicated professionals is ready to assist you and your adolescent in fostering a positive and influential parent-teen relationship.

References:

  • Total Life Counseling Center: Expertise in Adolescent and Parental Coaching
  • Psychological Research on Parental Influence and Adolescent Behavior Management
author avatar
Dana West
Dana Risucci-West, LCSW specializes in substance abuse, addictions, marriage, trauma and sexual abuse issues. Dana is passionate about helping others feel heard and validated and then helping them to identify the root of their problems. Dana's mission statement with her practice is to Speak the Truth in Love and help others develop a purposeful treatment plan to achieve wellness and healing. Dana is known to show her heart and all that she does and facilities a warm environment where her clients feel safe and nurtured.

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Total Life Counseling Center consists of Licensed Counselors, masters level therapists, Español counselors, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, business coaches, and image enhancement coaches who provide counseling for emotional, mental, physical and spiritual care including marriage, individual, family, substance abuse and more. TLC’s family, trauma and marriage experts have been interviewed on National and Local TV/Radio over 200 times for their expert advice on Fox News, OWN, WETV, ABC’s Medical Minute and more. Our skilled counselors are relational, approachable and specialists providing therapy services in the Central Florida area including: OrlandoWinter ParkMetroWest, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, East OrlandoLake Mary, and Clermont, Boca Raton Florida, and Dallas, TX.

About the Author: Dana West

Dana Risucci-West, LCSW specializes in substance abuse, addictions, marriage, trauma and sexual abuse issues. Dana is passionate about helping others feel heard and validated and then helping them to identify the root of their problems. Dana's mission statement with her practice is to Speak the Truth in Love and help others develop a purposeful treatment plan to achieve wellness and healing. Dana is known to show her heart and all that she does and facilities a warm environment where her clients feel safe and nurtured.

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author avatar
Dana West
Dana Risucci-West, LCSW specializes in substance abuse, addictions, marriage, trauma and sexual abuse issues. Dana is passionate about helping others feel heard and validated and then helping them to identify the root of their problems. Dana's mission statement with her practice is to Speak the Truth in Love and help others develop a purposeful treatment plan to achieve wellness and healing. Dana is known to show her heart and all that she does and facilities a warm environment where her clients feel safe and nurtured.