Being a dad is a job that never ends. Every stage of your child’s development brings its own challenges, and you’ll probably never be fully prepared for them. One stage that parents everywhere are holding their breath for is that if the teenage years. This is when your not so little kids reach adolescence, and you have to start rediscovering them all over again. Nevertheless, it’s a phase that will pass, but it’s crucial you develop a trusting relationship with them the best you can. Below are a few resources for dads of teenagers.
Puberty
One of the things you’re going to need to think about is how to support them through puberty phases. This can be a scary time for both you and your teen, so being equipped with the right resources is a must. Every teen experiences puberty differently, meaning there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
Parents: You should know that you’re one of the best resources for your kids when it comes to learning about puberty. When talking to them about puberty, remember to start as early as possible, especially before they start reading and seeing information on the internet. For girls, make sure you prep them before their period comes, so they know what to expect. For boys, it may be helpful if you explain to him both about his body and emotional changes.
Books: Aside from sitting down and having the talk with your teens, giving them books to read on puberty could help significantly too. Some helpful books for girls include Period, A Girl’s Guide to Menstruation, and The Period Book. For boys, Secret Men’s Business by John Marsden and What’s Happening to Me? By Alex Frith are options to consider.
Drug Abuse
Although no parent wants to think about their child taking drugs, it’s a reality many are battling with. You can’t be with your kids around the clock, but you can educate them on the drugs out there and the implications of using them.
Online Resources: When it comes to drug abuse, your teens won’t always be forthcoming and tell you that they’re struggling. Start by educating yourself on the signs of drug abuse so you can identify changes in their behavior.
Rehab: You should have knowledge of rehabs near you just in case you ever need it.
If you live in the Georgia area, then look for a drug rehab in Georgia as they can offer personalized treatment and medically assisted detox.
Bullying
Another common challenge that teenagers have to deal with is bullying. If they’re having challenges such as acne, being unusually tall, or having a body odor, for instance, it could cause bullying from other kids.
Therapy: If your teen is a victim of bullying, think about getting them a therapist. They can help with anything from bullying to school problems or anger. In a therapy session, they could end up talking, solve problems, or do activities.
Online Resources: There is a range of online resources you can use to educate yourself about bullying so that you can support your teen. The Bully Project, for instance, has action toolkits and tips for how you can get the school involved. KidsHealth also has extensive information that could help.
