Proximity is essential to strengthen emotional bonds and generate safety, trust and autonomy in young people
Having a healthy bond with parents provides a safe and supportive environment where teens feel more comfortable expressing their doubts, fears, and opinions. This contributes to the development of social-emotional skills, such as empathy, respect and assertive communication.
Furthermore, the active presence of parents helps to strengthen their children’s self-esteem, guiding them in making decisions and building values, which is reflected in a more balanced growth and prepared to face the complexities of adult life.
Family support
According to a study from the University of California, family and social support is extremely important for the healthy development of adolescents. The results showed that young people who grew up in welcoming environments demonstrated more empathetic and responsible behavior in adulthood.
However, a survey by Pew Research Center revealed that approximately 62% of parents experience significant difficulties when dealing with teenage children. This perception is particularly high among mothers, with 30% saying that being a mother is much more complicated than expected, compared to 20% of fathers.
Impacts on the relationship and training of young people
A report published by National Center for Health Statistics showed that about a quarter of teens say they receive the social and emotional support they need, while parents were nearly three times more likely to believe their children were receiving that support.
According to Deborah Klajnman, psychologist and psychoanalyst, currently, with the excess of tasks and demands in the job market, it is not uncommon to see parents who are unable to dedicate themselves to their children due to lack of time and even willpower. “Many end up not following their development, or doing so in a precarious way, damaging not only the relationship, but the young person’s education,” he explains.
Improve the relationship between parents and children
According to Danielle H. Admoni, general and child and adolescent psychiatrist, it is important to cultivate a good relationship between parents and children. “The closeness between parents and children is fundamental for strengthening emotional bonds and generating safety, trust and autonomy in adolescents,” he explains.
Psychologist Monica Machado, founder of Clínica Ame.C, adds that building bonds ea healthy coexistence with your child is behavior that will make a difference in his future. Therefore, below, check out the points raised by the experts to improve this report!
1. What do you know about your child?
Do you know your child’s friends? Do you know what his favorite sport is? Have you heard about your daily life at school, what you learned or who you met? It may seem like just details, but this information says a lot about your child and your relationship.
According to Danielle Admoni, knowing the characteristics, preferences, strengths and weaknesses of the adolescent is fundamental not only for the relationship, but for understand how your son you see the world, what your perceptions are, and how you handle or react to certain situations. “Following a child’s life and being present in it is the greatest benefit that parents can offer them,” he explains.
It is essential to be present during the growth of the young person. “Participating in his development and maintaining the bond and care shows that you are willing to know or recognize your child’s world, as well as transmit values such as empathy, trust and emotional responsibility,” adds Deborah Klajnman.
2. What do you do together?
Being together denotes the importance given to family life. Does work overwhelm you to the point that you don’t have time and energy to dedicate to your child? And when you’re with him, can you disconnect from everything (including your cell phone) and give him your full attention? Interact with their activities, their interests, their hobby?
“A the close relationship generates security to adolescents, being fundamental to their mental health, self-confidence and building their self-esteem. The most important thing: whatever you do together, enjoy every minute sincerely and not out of obligation”, emphasizes Monica Machado.
3. Who does your child look to when they need help?
Do you keep an open channel with your child? Who calls when they have a problem? Do you know your child from yourself or from other people? Parents tend to want to be their children’s safe haven, but not all are. “Even if they are father and mother, the child does not always have them as a safety reference. Often this position can be held by a grandmother or an aunt, if the young person feels more affinity with one or the other”, says Monica Machado.
For Deborah Klajnman, being the person your child turns to when in need requires credibility. “A good example is to never belittle what he thinks or feels. It shows that you value his feelings. This position will make the teen feel open to expose your emotions“, he advises.
Finally, practice active listening. “When your child comes to talk to you, give him or her your full attention. Listen to everything until the end, without interruptions. Leave your opinions only when you are sure that he or she has said everything he or she had to say. That way, your child will know that has in you the emotional support you will need in all phases of life”, concludes Danielle Admoni.
By Flavia Ghiurghi
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
