16-year-old children bring pride and joy to parents. At the same time, the teens present different challenges to their parents as compared to when they are children. Some of the challenges presented to parents during their teenage growing phase relate to academic, behavioral, physical and emotional.
Life is a continuous learning experience. Hence, the parents should continue to enjoy parenting and be there for their children. They should also address the challenges together with their teenage children and provide relevant advice for them to better handle these challenges.
As the advice given to a son differs slightly from that to a daughter, for this article, we will list some advice that parents can give to their 16-year-old sons.
Appearance is not everything
As teenage boys’ physical growth starts around this age (which is later than the teenage girls), he will be experiencing few biological changes at this age. His sleeping and eating patterns are also changed in response to his growth. When he undergoes these physical changes, he will be more concerned about his physical appearance to the extent that he feels that appearance is the most important.
Parents should let their teenage son know that appearance is not everything and one should not be to consumed chasing after the perfect body and facial features. He should feel comfortable and be happy in his own skin. Instead of spending too much time on his appearance, he should spend his time on maintaining a healthy body and mind.
Pursue one’s interests and passion
Let the teen know the importance of living one’s life to the fullest and to encourage them to pursue one’s interests and passions. Help the teen discover his interests and passions by having constant conversations with them relating to these topics and observe what makes them happy.
Encourage him by giving him gifts relating to him interests and passions or gifts that helphim discover his interests and passions during his birthday or Christmas.Parents can search the websites on gifts suitable for teen boys – some examples of gifts for boys aged 16 can be found here.
Money Management
Parents should let their teenage son know the concept of money and realisethe importance of money management. The teenage son should know the different ways of earning their income via multiple sources of income, different ways of enhancing their wealth through investment, and maintaining adequate amount of savings through proper saving methods.
Importance of Self Identity vs Friendship
Teens are at their most delicate age where they frequently succumb to peer pressure and are largely influenced by their friends’ opinion. Seeking validation from their friends are more important than their own opinion. Parents should let their teen son know that though having friends are important, maintaining his own identity and living the life his wants overrides his friends’ views. He should not let his friends dictate his life.
They should also let their son know that having true friends are more important than having many friends.He should appreciate that the quality of friends prevailsover quantity of friends. They should teach their son how to be discerning and identify true friends.
The above pieces of advice that parents give to their16-year-old son are life changing advice that they should receive these advice soonest to help them better prepare for their life.
