Adolescents need to follow rules and respect limits, however hard it may be for them to accept. This will help them to become responsible and tolerant adults not only with their family but with society as well. For this reason, parents have the mission of guiding them on this not easy, but rewarding process.

How to set limits on teenagers?

Mary Castro, Psychologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma, suggests starting with the schedule. “Now that teenagers are at home, they don’t have an established routine. Although during the mornings they take online classes, they must organize their time in the afternoon to fulfill house tasks and also have leisure and entertainment time. If they do not comply with the established rules, some privileges must be restricted, but previously talking with them to explain the corrective measure”, says Ms. Castro.

Patience and understanding

Many parents complain and say: “My son is impossible to deal with.” Yes, they can. The problem is they assume that because teenagers are 15 years old or older they understand faster or already know what to do and what not to do. Big mistake. You have to explain how things are and repeat it over and over again. Patience, understanding, and determination will be your best allies. Do not give up. Try a little more, but without reaching physical or psychological violence.

Fun time

Children indeed prefer to be more with friends than with family, therefore, mom and dad should be more creative when they are with their children. Play a board game, exercise together or sing karaoke. If you know your child, you will be able to know, more or less, what he likes or what he wants to do, recommends the specialist.

Lic. Mary Castro
Psychologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma