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 Managing children as they grow is not an easy task more especially when they become teenagers or adolescence. The teenage years are a crucial stage of growth. This is a time when young people are discovering their identity, seeking independence, and often testing boundaries. Also, it a time when they become super -learners and we see development happening rapidly both physically and emotionally.  In fact, we marvel at their increasing ability to think things through and grasp the complexity of the world. As parents, guardians, or mentors, this period offers a golden opportunity to guide them towards becoming responsible, respectful, and morally upright adults. And, also support them to develop and clarify their own values while we guide them with the family core values

Understanding them is key. we need to try to understand teenagers, before devising best strategies with which to manage them bearing in mind that they are undergoing rapid physical, emotional, and social changes. During this stage of growth, they usually crave acceptance and always trying to assert their individuality and in so doing, they are often misunderstood. So, it is very important to understand these changing aspects, to be able to manage them effectively. Parents need to understand that children of this generation are smarter and more exposed to the happenings around world due to subsequent technological advancement and this has made teenage parenting a little difficult. However, by managing them with patience, love, wisdom and intentionally instilling good moral values, we help them lay a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling life. Be that as it may, parents need to be mindful of what is happening around these teenagers and offer proper guidance. We need to take note of every changes we observe as this would help to map out strategies that will help manage our teens effectively.

For me, the most important of all is to be open and honest with them during communication. Say it the way it is, no mincing of words or sugar- coating because, you will be shocked to know that they are already aware of whatever you want to communicate. Nevertheless, set clear boundaries and also state your expectations. Define acceptable behaviours and explain why they matter. Be consistent with rules and regulations and consequences but, avoid being excessively harsh, try and balance firmness with kindness. Guide them to think about the consequences of their choices and also encourage them to question negative influences and make informed decisions. Above all, ensure their safety and assure the children that they are not in any danger. Set boundaries around issues of safety and morality as this allows the teens to make mistakes and learn how to make amends. Make sure you create a safe space for them to express their feelings without fear of judgment. Listen actively and patiently even when you disagree and discuss real-life situations and moral problems to help them think critically

Remember that teens and children in general, often learn from what parents and guidance do than what they say so, lets demonstrate honesty, kindness, respect and empathy in our daily lives. Be their role model.   Encourage them to establish positive friendships, try to know their friends and help them choose friends who have common values.  We should also encourage positive activities, support their involvement in the activities that build their character such as, volunteering, faith – based programs, sports, charity work or caring for family members. Assign age-appropriate responsibilities at home and hold them accountable for their actions. Encourage them to express thanks regularly and to recognize that every gift or opportunity is a privilege. Most importantly, show them unconditional love and support, let them know that they are valued and loved regardless of their mistakes. Celebrate their achievements and help them learn from their disappointments.

In conclusion, parenting teenagers is not always easy, but it is a rewarding journey. By managing them with patience, love, and wisdom, and by intentionally instilling good moral values, we help them lay a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling life.

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Beatrice Egbuna is an experienced Broadcast Technologist with a strong background in managing broadcast equipment and sound technology. She has played a leading role in building and installing various radio studios, as well as maintaining and repairing both analogue and digital equipment at Voice of Nigeria (VON) studios. Egbuna holds a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the Lagos State University (LASU), and has received training in Audio Engineering from the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom. She also holds certificates in Senior Management Programmes from the Lagos Business School (LBS) and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), as well as a certificate in Entrepreneurial Management from the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan-Atlantic University (PAU). Prior to joining EDC in 2011, Beatrice worked in various capacities at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and VON before retiring in 2010 as Deputy Director Programming. She has also worked as a Consultant/Mentor on projects like "Road-to-Growth" powered by Cherie Blair Foundation and Access Bank Plc. Egbuna produced and presented "Enterprise Stories", a live radio program on Inspiration 92.3 FM, which brings entrepreneurs together every Tuesday at 3 pm to share their success stories and inspire startup developers to follow their dreams. She also produced "The Economy and You," a program that aired for about four years on Rhythm 93.7 FM, which brought policymakers, technocrats and successful business executives to discuss government policies and their impact on the economy and businesses in Nigeria. Currently, Beatrice Egbuna is the Principal Consultant at Maluwe Capacity Builders International, Nigeria, where she provides real-time feedback and actionable advice that adds value to her clients. She is also a mentor and faculty member at the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan-Atlantic University, and a BDSP Consultant on the 5-year (20??-20??) MASTERCARD TRANSFORMING NIGERIA YOUTH PROJECT (TNY). Egbuna is passionate about developing the entrepreneurship ecosystem, providing business support and advisory services to entrepreneurs within and outside the EDC business network for over a decade. She is a certified IFC/LPI Trainer, certified SMEDAN Business Development Service Provider (BDSP), life coach, work-life balance advocate/coordinator, and marriage counsellor who helps employees/career/business people find fulfilment in the workplace, balance in their daily activities, and solutions to their marital challenges. To reach Beatrice Egbuna she can be contacted through her email addresses: bettyegbuna@yahoo.com and maluwehelp@gmail.com. She also has a website, https://momentwithbetty.com.

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