There have been a lot of books written and research papers published on the parent-child relationship, yet there is still a lot that is left to discover and explore about this relationship. Being a parent is a huge responsibility, and unfortunately not everyone is prepared to undertake it. Many parents simply ignore their responsibility to remain involved in their kids’ lives, leading to several dire consequences for the latter such as stress, depression, anxiety, poor grades, feeling of loneliness, and lower self-esteem. Uninvolved parenting is extremely detrimental to a child’s development. As a parent, you need to realize the importance of giving your kids the assurance of your presence in their life and their importance in yours. Here are a few tips to help you do that.

Don’t Just Listen, Take Interest in the Conversation

Listening is one thing and taking interest in a conversation is another. Actively participate in discussions with the teens instead of just listening to them. Teens are smart enough to know immediately whether you are listening to them attentively, or are just passing time with them. Parents should avoid using mobile phone, laptop or any other device while talking with teens. Try to give them your full attention.

Keep up with Latest Technology

Teens are the first ones to know about any new smartphone, wearable device, recent laptop and other electronic devices that hit the market. Parents are usually not aware of technical terms, which is why they fail to understand most of the things teens tell them. Parents must keep up with latest technology so they can talk to their children in a language the latter are comfortable with. Besides, it will allow you to talk about the things teens like, opening doors for conversation on a vast number of topics.

Take Them for Holidays after Every Few Months

Holiday does not necessarily mean that you have to visit any other country or a faraway place. You may also go for short trips to a nearby tourist point or enjoy the countryside view. The main purpose of holidays is to get rid of daily stress, and to enhance bonding among the family members. The time you spend away from home is the best time for getting to know teens. So, take out your car, and hit the road with your family whenever you get the chance to.

Spend Time with Teens

Do not just wait for the holidays to interact with teens. Make it a tradition to spend quality time with your kids on daily basis. Get rid of job tasks, switch off your phone, shut down your laptop and sit with the teens, listening to their new adventures, asking them about their day, inquiring about their latest crush, getting updates on the bully who used to tease them in school, about latest technology, about their future plans, about their studies, etc. If you cannot take time out daily, then do this once a while.

Being a parent means being a good friend who scolds you on your bad behavior, guides you when you make mistakes, support you when you need it, love you unconditionally, understand you. If you are doing all his for your teens, then know that you are moving in the right direction.