Rebellious teenagers: what to do and how to help them

Adolescence is a stage of great

that influence the behavior and self-esteem of young people.

They tend to be indifferent, sad or rebellious, and many of them prefer to spend more time alone or with their friends than with their parents.

At times their behaviors become contradictory and they act without thinking.

At this stage, the child-adolescent begins to

that bring him closer to his definitive independence and to his self-knowledge.

They are not problematic because yes, it is a crisis that we all go through.

For this reason, adults must balance being understanding and setting limits at the same time.

Rebellious teenagers: what to do and how to help them

Rebel teenagers.

Many prefer to spend more time alone or with their friends than with their parents./ Photo: Fernando de la Orden.

Daniel Egea, a child psychologist specializing in children and adolescents, argues that "adolescence is the moment of a

 in which the 'post-child' begins to define his personality using rebellion as his favorite tool.

According to its origin, the word rebellion means

, or "a difficult person to educate, direct or control because they do not obey what is commanded".

In this sense, being able to help them is not an easy task since the adolescent will refuse to comply with the instructions of the parents,

to which we were accustomed, and which now makes us uncomfortable.

The writer and therapist Violeta Vázquez adds more information: that healthy adolescents have the duty and the power to explore new options that have not been granted to them.

“Helping them often means doing less,

,” she indicates.

Rebel teenagers.

It is key to listen to them to find out what they think and the problems they are going through./ Photo Shutterstock.

8 tips for dealing with teenagers

Here are some insider

to help you deal with rebellious teens:

1. Accept the changes.

Your son is no longer a child, he is developing and that is healthy.

Accompanying this stage of crisis with respect will make everyone go through it in a more positive way.

2. Set limits.

Punishments are not the solution.

Negotiating and setting limits with respect will be the best way to achieve a favorable agreement.

3. Bet on good communication.

To have good communication, the first thing to do is listen, find out what they think, what problems they are facing.

Feeling valued will give you confidence.

Rebellious behaviors should be tried to prevent through good communication.

Rebel teenagers.

Limits will have to be established with respect to reach favorable agreements./ Photo: illustration Shutterstock.

4. Be empathetic.

We all go through this stage and our behavior was not always the most sensible.

You have to remember that it is one more stage and that it will not last forever.

5. Avoid comparisons.

In adolescence everyone wants to be original and unique.

Comparisons will affect your self-esteem.

It is important to recognize their achievements and encourage their good attitudes.

6. Lead by example.

The rules and limits should apply to everyone.

The adolescent will respect the agreements, as long as she sees consistent behavior in adults.

Rebel teenagers.

They will learn from their mistakes.

You have to give them space to strengthen their self-confidence.

Photo: Illustration Shutterstock.

7. Accept that you are not perfect.

Let him be wrong, you will inevitably learn from it.

Give him his space to strengthen his self-confidence.

8. Share your concerns.

Talk to him truthfully, explaining how his behavior impacts those around him.

Make it clear to him that there are limits in which there is no negotiation, but show availability when he needs it.

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