How to Not Lose a Teenager: A Psychologist's Tips on Trust, Interests, and Mentorship

      To maintain a connection with their teenager, it is important for parents to timely find and support their interests, rather than resorting to strict control and criticism. This was stated at a press conference at "Tatar-inform" by Olga Galanina, an expert from the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Rosdetcenter" and a pedagogical psychologist, noting that only trust, recognition, and support can help build constructive relationships with the child and protect them from negative influences.

      How not to lose a teenager: expert advice

      To maintain a connection with their teenager, it is important for parents to timely find and support their interests. This was discussed at the press conference at "Tatar-inform" by Olga Galanina, a leading expert from the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Rosdetcenter", a pedagogical psychologist, and a teacher at Kazan Federal University.

      Balance between control and trust

      According to the specialist, working with youth should start as early as possible, especially with those who are considering starting a family. It is important to find a balance between strict control and the formation of the teenager's internal responsibility.

      "Excessive criticism from adults creates a ban on emotions for children. Instead of discussing fear and uncertainty, young people withdraw. The first task is to identify the interest. And what is the interest of the teenager? Typically, it is recognition, self-assertion, and trust," emphasized Olga Galanina.

      How to awaken interest?

      The expert provided a simple example: even if a child does not like pastries and candies, by offering them a choice between two options, they will still choose something. This way, the teenager begins to try mechanisms of interaction, and they develop an interest that is important not to miss.

      "When they try, they become interested. And it is important not to miss this chance. To consolidate and build trusting relationships," the psychologist emphasized.

      Mentorship is the key to trust

      Modern mentorship is not control, but support. Being nearby so that the child can turn for help and advice in difficult situations is the most constructive way to interact.

      What else was discussed at the press conference?

      During the event, experts discussed preventive measures to involve teenagers and youth in sabotage-terrorist activities, as well as ways to protect children from dangerous influences in messengers.

      Support your children, help them find their interests, and be a reliable support for them!

      Aigul Gallyamova