Navigating the Adolescence of a 11-Year-Old: Tips for Parenting and Support

These days, children are growing faster and maturing earlier, all because of the internet access, exposure to information, pornography, TikTok, and peer pressure. Add to that pre-teen anxiety, puberty, and social media, and it's no wonder children can feel uncomfortable with their own bodies and minds. As a parent, you might find yourself dealing with a rebellious teenager even at 9, with all the yelling, blaming, restlessness, and shouting. "Ego fragile" is the keyword here. But as you navigate through this phase, you'll realize it's part and parcel of growing up.

Understanding Adolescent Behaviors

Be calm, cool, and friendly. He's reaching adolescence and will behave this way for the next couple of years. Judgment and anger won't help; instead, provide him with the support and guidance he needs. He needs to feel understood, accepted, and loved. As a parent, focus on giving him space, allowing him to make decisions, and gradually removing your need to correct and question his choices.

Strategies for Parenting an 11-Year-Old

Instead of micromanaging every aspect of his life, start by giving him more freedom. Allow him to decide what to eat, what to wear, when to study, and complete his homework. Encourage him to make his own choices about his study schedule and bedtime. If you feel that his choices are wrong, try to hold back from immediate correction. Instead, let the inner you feel that urge to scream "it's wrong," but say nothing and give him the space to make his own decisions. The hardest part might be watching him fail, but it's essential for him to learn from his mistakes.

Welcome to the Balance: Rules and Freedom

Truly understanding this phase might mean establishing ground rules for activities and study. For everything else, provide him with the freedom to make his own choices. This balance will help foster peace and harmony in the family. Despite this freedom, keep a watchful eye and provide guidance when necessary, but do it as a friend. Share incidents and stories that have happened with you to make him more aware of certain situations and alert him to any potential dangers. In essence, treat him like an adult, but remember that he is, fundamentally, a child who needs love, support, and guidance.

When Underlying Issues Arise

While parenting an 11-year-old can be challenging, some teenagers may experience nervous problems or other underlying issues. If his behavior changes drastically or is causing concern, it might be wise to seek professional help. Consulting a psychiatrist or an expert with children's psychology could provide valuable insights and potential solutions. Sometimes, external support is necessary to address these issues, and it can be highly beneficial.

Conclusion

In the end, kids want to be treated like adults and want to behave like adults. But as parents, we must remember that they are still children. Give them their space, accept them for who they are, and be their friend and ally. Love and support will go a long way in helping your child navigate this challenging phase of their life. If you find yourself struggling, don't hesitate to seek guidance and support. After all, parenting is a journey, and every child is unique.