Many children yearn for more independence during their preteen and teenage years. As a result, a child may question or defy their parent’s rules, and this is often the source of strife in parent-child relationships. Addressing the underlying issues through individual therapy and other avenues will prevent further breakdown of communication, so you and your teen can start repairing the familial bonds.

3 Ways to Fix a Strained Parent-Child Relationship

1. Spend Time Together

Taking an active interest in your child’s life is a way to demonstrate your unconditional love and affection. From watching movies on the weekends to going for bike rides in the park, there are numerous ways to spend quality time together. By having fun with your child, they’ll view you as a confidant and not an authority figure to oppose.

2. Go to Counseling Together

There can be several factors contributing to the discord in the relationship. During an argument, how a parent responds to the situation may trigger a preteen or teen to act out. This may be the case when a parent adopts an authoritarian parenting style, as the adult feels there isn’t room for debate, and they should always have the final word in what their children do.

During parent-child counseling, a therapist will be able to assess the relationship through an objective lens. They’ll recommend ways to adopt an authoritative parenting style, where a child has permission to articulate their feelings and know that their opinions and desires are valid.

3. Seek Individual Therapy

You both should work one-on-one with a therapist. A teen’s life is different than an adult’s, and your child may be experiencing depression or anxiety from hormonal changes. These fluctuations may impact how they respond to authority and the adults in their lives.

For a parent, the stress of providing for a family can place strain on the dynamics with those they love. During individual therapy, a professional will be able to address the conflict’s root cause, teach techniques to handle feelings, and tell you how to diffuse situations before they lead to pain and resentment.

If you want to improve the relationship between you and your youngster, turn to the licensed counselors at Sondra Sexton-Jones in Juneau, AK. The team provides individual therapy sessions to help people address their mental and emotional obstacles, so they can build better relationships in their personal lives. To get more information about their services and treatment options, visit them online or call (907) 586-3313.