Guide to 5 Evidence Based Parenting Strategies

In this article, “5 Evidence based parenting strategies”, we will explore five evidence-based parenting strategies that parents can use to help their teenagers succeed and become good people and three things all parents of teenagers should avoid doing. Parenting teenagers can be a challenging but rewarding experience. As adolescents navigate the complex and often tumultuous process of identity development and independence, parents can play a crucial role in supporting their teenager’s growth and well-being. 

5 Evidence-Based Parenting Tips

Tip #1: Set clear expectations and boundaries

Parents must establish and communicate clear expectations and boundaries for their teenager’s behavior, as this can help promote a sense of structure and stability in their lives. Research has shown that adolescents with clear and consistent boundaries at home are more likely to exhibit positive behaviors and have better mental health outcomes (Steinberg, 2008).

Tip #2: Foster open and honest communication

Establishing open and honest communication with your teenager is essential for building trust and promoting healthy relationships. This can involve actively listening to your teenager, expressing genuine interest in their experiences and feelings, and being open to their perspective.

Research has shown that adolescents with positive relationships with their parents are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors and have better mental health outcomes (Dumas, 2014)

Tip #3: Encourage independence and autonomy

As adolescents strive for independence and autonomy, parents need to allow their teenagers to make decisions and take on responsibilities appropriate to their age and developmental level. This can involve gradually increasing the level of independence and autonomy they are granted while providing guidance and support.

Research has shown that adolescents who can make decisions and take on responsibilities are more likely to develop self-esteem and a sense of purpose (Grolnick, 2003).

Tip #4: Provide a supportive and nurturing environment

Creating a supportive and nurturing environment for your teenager can involve providing physical and emotional safety, encouraging their interests and hobbies, and showing appreciation for their efforts and accomplishments. Research has shown that adolescents with a supportive and nurturing home environment are more likely to exhibit positive behaviors and have better mental health outcomes (Baumrind, 1991).

Tip #5: Model positive behaviors and attitudes

As a parent, you serve as a role model for your teenager, and your actions and attitudes can significantly impact their development.It is important to model positive behaviors and attitudes, such as respect, kindness, and self-control, as this can help to shape your teenager’s values and behaviors. Research has shown that adolescents with positive role models are more likely to exhibit prosocial behaviors and have better mental health outcomes (Maccoby, 2000).

Evidence-Based Parenting Common Pitfalls

As parents, it is natural to want to do what is best for our children and help them succeed and thrive. However, parenting can be complex and challenging, and it is not always clear what the best course of action is. Research can provide valuable insights into effective and ineffective parenting practices and help parents to avoid common pitfalls. Proper research utilization will allow parents to make informed decisions about supporting their child’s development.

Next, based on the body of research, we will explore three things parents should never do. These practices, while well-intentioned, can have negative consequences for children and adolescents and should be avoided. 

#1. Don’t use physical punishment as a means of discipline

Research has consistently shown that physical punishment, such as spanking or hitting, is not an effective way to discipline children and adolescents and can negatively affect their development (Gershoff, 2002).

Physical punishment has been linked to increased aggression, anxiety, and depression, as well as poorer relationships with parents and peers (Larzelere, 2000). Instead of physical punishment, parents can use more positive and effective forms of discipline, such as setting clear expectations and consequences, using positive reinforcement, and teaching problem-solving skills.

#2: Don’t neglect your teenager’s emotional needs

Adolescence is a time of significant emotional and social development, and parents must be attentive to their teenagers’ emotional needs.

Neglecting your teenager’s emotional needs can lead to negative outcomes, including an increased risk of depression and anxiety (Hoeve et al., 2011). Parents can support their teenager’s emotional well-being by being attuned to their feelings, providing emotional support, and encouraging open and honest communication.

#3: Don’t ignore harmful or risky behavior

If your teenager is engaging in harmful or risky behavior, such as drug or alcohol use, parents need to address the behavior and seek appropriate help. Ignoring such behavior can have serious consequences, including physical harm, legal problems, and long-term negative effects on mental health (Winters et al., 2011).

Parents can address harmful or risky behavior by seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or other trusted resources, setting clear expectations and consequences, and providing support and resources for their teenager to make positive changes.

Using Evidence-Based Parenting to Creating A Supportive Environment

In conclusion, parents can use many evidence-based practices to help their teenagers succeed and become good people. These practices include setting clear expectations and boundaries, fostering open and honest communication, encouraging independence and autonomy, providing a supportive and nurturing environment, and modeling positive behaviors and attitudes. Parents should avoid using physical punishment as a means of discipline, neglecting their teenager’s emotional needs, and ignoring harmful or risky behavior. Instead, parents can use more positive and effective strategies. By implementing these practices, parents can support their teenager’s growth and well-being as they navigate the complex and often challenging process of adolescence.

References:

• Baumrind, D. (1991). Parenting styles and adolescent development. In R. M. Lerner & A. C. Petersen (Eds.), Encyclopedia of adolescence (Vol. 1, pp. 746-758). New York: Garland.
• Dumas, J. E. (2014). Parent-adolescent communication. In J. DeLamater (Ed.), Handbook of social psychology (pp. 259-281). New York: Springer.
• Grolnick, W. S. (2003). The psychology of parental control: How well-meant parenting backfires. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Maccoby, E. E. (2000). Parent
• Gershoff, E. T. (2002). Corporal punishment by parents and associated child behaviors and experiences: A meta-analytic and theoretical review. Psychological Bulletin, 128(4), 539-579.
• Hoeve, M., Dubas, J. S., Eichelsheim, V. I., Smeenk, W., & Gerris, J. R. (2011). Parenting and adolescent problem behavior: A meta-analysis of longitudinal parental control. Psychological Bulletin, 137(3), 462-481.
• Larzelere, R. E. (2000). Moderate spanking: Model or deterrent for children’s aggression? Journal of Family Psychology, 14(1), 191-201.
• Winters, K. C., Stinchfield, R., & Botzet, A. (2011). A review of adolescent substance abuse treatment outcome. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 41(1), 118-129.

About Author: 

Joshua Sneideman is Vice President at Learning Blade, focusing on providing middle schools with STEM/CS/CTE career exploration resources. He leads a team of amazing district and school-wide implementation specialists. A former Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the Department of Energy in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, he received recognition from the Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz, for his efforts to increase minority participation in STEM education. He is the author of multiple award-winning STEM education books, including his newest release – Everyday Superheroes: Women in Energy Careers.