First things first, I would like to clarify one thing—just because your teen is struggling doesn’t mean you’re a bad dad.
Your relationship with your teenager does play a vital role in their behavior, but in the end, your teen is an independent person who is able to make their own choices. However, there are a number of things you can do to impact your teen’s problematic behavior and help them change for the better.
Fathers Are Critical For Teen’s Emotional Stability
It has only been in recent years that social scientists have bothered to see what role—if any—that fathers play when it comes to parenting children.
Now, for us fathers who have been in the trenches taking care of our families, it likely isn’t a surprise that researchers have found that fathers have a critical role in developing our children’s sense of emotional and mental well-being. It was found that those children who had well-developed relationships with their fathers were less likely to:
- Lie
- Become involved in disruptive behavior
- Abuse drugs
- Experience depression
These children with healthy relationships with their dads also had higher self-esteem and experienced greater emotional and physical health.
Along with the role of the father in helping our children develop into confident, well-balanced teens, fathers also play a key role in helping our teens become successful young adults.
Engaged Fathers Help Teens Transition Into Adulthood
In other studies, it was clear that fathers were a critical factor in helping teens prepare for adulthood. With an active father in the picture, teens were less prone to delinquency, as dads are less likely to dismiss the early warning signs misbehavior which could become serious problem behaviors.
Instead, present and engaged fathers help teens to rise up to their potential, rather than allow teens to be caught up in the more petty drama of middle and high school. These researchers also found that the support of a father along with a mother also indicated that children were more likely to complete high school.
With the strong support provided by fathers who actively parent, teens are far more likely to make it through the tumultuous teenage years emotionally, mentally, and physically intact.
Impactful Ways Dads Can Help Struggling Teens
Now, as I mentioned before, if your teen is struggling, it doesn’t automatically mean that you haven’t been a good dad. If you are looking for ways to help positively impact your teen’s problem behavior, I have some ideas for you:
Consider professional intervention
Whether you need to turn to therapists, therapeutic boarding schools, or other interventions, don’t be ashamed to involve others. Sometimes, we parents don’t have all the tools we need to help our children, and there is no shame in turning to those who can help them.
Set the best example possible – As the father, your children are always watching you. They take cues on what to think, how to act, and what is acceptable while observing what you do, so do your best to always set the best example possible.
Stay active in their lives – Teens are less likely to become involved in disruptive and delinquent behavior when their father is a clear presence in their lives. Being there for your teens, from attending events to helping with homework is some of the best day-to-day ways you can be a positive, active influence in your children’s lives.
As you continue to set an example for your children and strengthen your relationship with them, you will be better able to be a positive impact on their future behavior.
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