Parents who don’t have a close bond with their teenage children usually display these 8 behaviors (without realizing it)

Eliza Hartley by Eliza Hartley | October 7, 2024, 4:30 am

Navigating the tumultuous teen years can be a daunting task, and the relationship between parents and their teenage children can, at times, feel strained.

Often, the disconnect is not a result of a lack of love or concern. Rather, it’s about certain behaviors that parents unknowingly exhibit, which can create distance.

If you’re a parent wondering why you don’t have a close bond with your teenager, there are usually tell-tale signs to look out for.

In this article, we’ll explore 8 common behaviors that could be unknowingly pushing your teen away. And remember, realizing it is the first step towards improving your relationship.

1) Expecting immediate obedience

Parenting, especially during the teenage years, can often feel like a juggling act. As parents, we naturally want our kids to respect our authority and follow our rules.

However, expecting immediate obedience without giving your teen the space to question or understand can unknowingly create a gap between you.

A teenager’s journey is all about exploring their autonomy and understanding their place in the world. When this exploration is met with rigid expectations of obedience, it can lead them to pull away.

Remember, it’s not about disobedience; it’s about creating a trusting environment where your teenager feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions. This doesn’t mean you compromise on discipline, but it does mean being open to dialogue.

And trust me, balancing this can be tricky, but it’s essential for building a close bond with your teenager.

2) Neglecting to listen

In my own parenting journey, I’ve often found myself guilty of this one.

In the rush of everyday life, with work, household chores and all the other responsibilities we juggle, it’s easy to fall into the trap of not really listening to our teens.

I remember a time when my daughter was trying to share her excitement about a school project with me. At that moment, I was in the middle of preparing dinner, answering work emails and also trying to help my younger son with his homework. I kept nodding and throwing in an occasional “uh-huh” without really hearing what she was saying.

Later that night, she pointed out how I seemed uninterested in her project. That’s when it hit me – I was physically present but not truly engaged.

Neglecting to listen can send a message to our teens that their thoughts and experiences are not important. This can create a distance between parents and their teenage children.

3) Overreacting to their mistakes

Teenagers are in a developmental stage where they’re learning about themselves, the world, and their place in it. This exploration often comes with its fair share of mistakes.

Research reveals that the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control – the prefrontal cortex – isn’t fully developed until the mid-20s. This explains why teens sometimes make choices that seem irrational or risky to adults.

When parents overreact to their teenager’s mistakes, it can lead to feelings of shame and discourage them from sharing their struggles in the future. It’s essential for parents to approach these situations calmly, offering guidance and understanding instead of harsh criticism.

By doing so, we can help our teens learn from their mistakes while maintaining a close and trusting bond with them.

4) Comparing them with others

We all want the best for our children and it can be tempting to compare them with their peers as a way to motivate them. However, this tactic can often backfire.

When parents constantly compare their teenagers to others, it can lead to feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. Not only can this damage their self-esteem, but it can also strain the parent-child relationship.

Instead of comparing, try recognizing your teenager’s individual strengths and achievements. Celebrate their uniqueness and encourage them to be the best version of themselves, not someone else.

Remember, every child is different and they all have their own pace of development. Embracing this fact can help foster a closer bond with your teenage child.

5) Not expressing affection

As our children enter their teenage years, they start seeking more independence. Sometimes, as parents, we interpret this as a sign that they no longer need our affection. But that’s far from the truth.

Even though teenagers might act like they’re too cool for a hug or a loving word, deep down they still crave parental affection.

In the whirlwind of adolescent changes, knowing they are loved unconditionally can provide them with a sense of security and belonging. But if this affection is missing, it can create a feeling of emotional distance.

So don’t shy away from expressing your love for your teenager. A simple “I love you” or a pat on the back can go a long way in making them feel valued and understood. This heartfelt connection can significantly strengthen the bond between you and your teenage child.

6) Failing to acknowledge their growth

As a parent, it can be tough to accept that your little one is growing up. I recall the day my son came home excited about his first part-time job. My immediate reaction was worry – about his safety, his ability to manage school and work, about him growing up too fast.

In my eyes, he was still my little boy who needed my protection. But, in reality, he was a young man trying to find his footing in the world.

When we fail to acknowledge our teenagers’ growth and continue to treat them like children, it can stifle their confidence and independence.

It’s important that we encourage their steps towards adulthood – as scary as it might be for us. By doing so, we let them know that we trust and respect their decision-making abilities. This acknowledgement can significantly improve the bond between parents and their teenage children.

7) Over scheduling their lives

In a bid to ensure our kids are well-rounded and successful, we may end up over scheduling their lives with various activities and classes. However, this could unintentionally strain the parent-child relationship.

Teenagers need time for relaxation and self-discovery. They need room to explore their interests, make mistakes, and learn from them. Over scheduling not only deprives them of this valuable time but also sends a message that we don’t trust them to manage their own time or make their own decisions.

Instead of insisting on a packed schedule, consider giving your teenager some freedom to plan their own activities. This shows respect for their autonomy and can foster a closer bond between you and your child.

8) Not making them a priority

At the heart of it all, your teenager needs to know that they are a priority to you. Despite the business of life and all the responsibilities we juggle as parents, it’s essential to make time for our teenagers.

Your presence in their lives, your interest in their activities, and your willingness to listen and understand their perspective can make all the difference.

When teenagers feel like a priority, they feel valued and understood, leading to a stronger parent-child bond.