Marking the transition from childhood to adulthood, adolescence is a period of exploration, identity discoveries and challenges that will profoundly affect the emotional and social development of those who experience it. It can also affect the bond between parent and teenager.

To support their child through this crucial stage, parents benefit from maintaining a relationship based on trust, communication and sharing common experiences. This will foster their child’s sense of emotional security, and provide a healthy, reassuring environment to help them navigate this complex, pivotal phase with greater peace of mind.

Here are 5 tips for nurturing the parent-child bond during adolescence:

1. Encourage open and honest communication: To foster a relationship based on trust, it can be beneficial to encourage your child to express his or her thoughts and emotions freely. Let them know that they can talk to you about anything, even the most delicate subjects. When you talk, try to create a less intimidating environment by encouraging moments when you are side by side rather than face to face, such as during a car ride or sharing an activity where eye contact is not constant. This might make them feel more comfortable about sharing their thoughts and feelings.
2. Setting limits while remaining flexible: It can be useful to define rules and limits together to guide your teenager’s behaviour. Involve them in this process so that they understand the reasons behind the rules and feel committed to respecting them. While maintaining clear limits, bear in mind that it’s also important to be flexible when the situation calls for it, which can increase your child’s sense of confidence and responsibility.
3. Recognizing and respecting their autonomy: Once expectations are clear, trust your teenager to make appropriate decisions. Recognizing and respecting their growing autonomy is essential to fostering their development. Giving them age-appropriate responsibilities can boost their self-esteem and their sense of worth as an individual. Trust that their decisions are guided by their own preferences and intuitions.
4. Serve as a positive role model: By demonstrating healthy and respectful behaviour, you can be a positive role model for your teenager. Show them how you manage stress, resolve conflicts and express your emotions constructively. Your actions will often have more impact than your words, so a positive and empathetic attitude in your daily interactions will set a good example for your child. Of course, it’s almost impossible to have an exemplary attitude at all times. The important thing is to have an honest conversation about it with your child and address any areas in which your conduct might be improved. In this context, transparency is better than consistency at all costs!
5. Spending quality time together: Create happy memories with your teenager by setting aside time in your busy schedule to spend together. Even a few minutes here and there can be enough to share a meal, do an activity or discover new experiences together. The important thing is to focus on the pleasure and connection of these shared moments.

A relaxing experience that doesn’t require you to talk, such as a visit to the spa, might be a great option if communication is more challenging. Strøm Nordic Spa’s Drøm evenings invite teenagers aged 12 to 17 to come and enjoy the thermal experience accompanied by an adult, every Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 5 p.m. They are the ideal opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their children, while introducing them to the benefits of relaxation.