BECOMING self-aware and self-conscious is par for the course as a teen.

This is the time of life when they are finding themselves and discovering who they are and where they ‘fit’ within the family and with peers and indeed the wider world. This can be a very isolating time, and a time of confusion, upset, anxiety and sometimes anger.

Influences outside of the home can often change your teen, and rudeness and disrespect can creep into the way they respond to you. They may have experienced this behaviour elsewhere and thought it was clever or funny, and so it is played out in the safety of the home environment.

If your child does display behaviour that is both rude and disrespectful, then a measured response is needed. It is very easy to fall into the trap of ‘meeting fire with fire’ but this can cause the situation to escalate. Remember you are a powerful role model for your teen so try to keep calm and observe the behaviour you don’t like.

- Talk with your teen and try to find out how it is going for them. While driving or doing the washing-up are good times, as this is not as intense as inviting them to sit down and have a chat with you.

- Take an interest in them and their world.

Give them the freedom to express themselves and their beliefs – even though they are different from yours.

- Encourage positive behaviour.

- Set rules and limits at home.

- Follow up with consequences for bad behaviour.

- Remember to stay consistent.

See: www.parentandbabycoach.co.uk

NEXT WEEK: Behaviour Contracts