Your child probably knows how much you love them and that you’re there for them when they need you. But have you told them this clearly? How often do you do it? When? Sometimes, the typical frictions of adolescence cause affection and closeness—so necessary at this stage—to take a back seat.

Everyone needs comforting and encouraging words at some point; the same is true for teenagers. Although they often hide it, they long for the presence, affection, and firm guidance of their parents.

Phrases a teenager needs to hear from their parents

Here are some phrases that strengthen, comfort, and remind your children that you always want what’s best for them. Because the love for a child is immense and inexplicable, and words—especially when they come from parents—have enormous power. It’s time to start using them!

1. “You can do it!”

Adolescence is a period of crisis, in which security and self-confidence are often lacking. Although not all teenagers are the same, these traits are common. Therefore,  children need to know that their parents believe in them , believe in their abilities, and consider them more capable than they think; this makes them stronger and braver.

2. “Everything in life requires effort”

Nothing in life is easy, and if they ever discover something easy, it’s very likely wrong. Children need to understand this clearly, and we shouldn’t wait until they’re teenagers to teach them. From a young age, we must instill in them that every reward requires hard work, that the artist or footballer they admire so much had to fight hard to earn their place, and that when things seem easy, there’s definitely something fishy going on.

Introduce him to the adult world – which is the real world – without painting it in a tragic or gloomy way, but  let him know that life involves challenges and responsibilities  that he will be fully capable of assuming.

3. “Learn from your mistakes”

“Mistakes are learning experiences, and as your parents, we forgive you.” And if you want, you can add: “ We trust you won’t do it again , because you’re a very capable and intelligent boy/girl!” With this powerful phrase, you restore your trust, and it’s very likely they’ll feel remorseful. They’ll also realize what valuable parents they have.

But he should also understand that every action has a consequence, negative or positive, depending on the situation. Explain that, as a matter of course, when a rule or agreement is broken, something will always happen. The same applies at home. If the boy has struggled in school due to carelessness or has broken family rules—such as coming home later than allowed—he must accept the consequences of his behavior.

4. “We love you, and that’s why we correct you.”

When  parents truly open their hearts,  it has a very positive impact on teenagers. It’s always good to remind them how much they love them and how much they mean to them. This practice creates a unique connection and is often a crucial step in overcoming family conflicts.

5. “Value every moment and everything you have”

Some children take it for granted that the “ideal world” will last forever, and they even demand it. Well, it won’t.  If they have an education, a roof over their heads, a family waiting for them, a delicious dinner, it’s because they are privileged  and should feel immensely grateful. Without needing to reproach them or throw in their faces the sacrifices you, as a parent, have made for them, it’s important to tell them so, because many children haven’t been as fortunate.

There’s no need to memorize this article like a script to recite to your children; simply take the general ideas we offer at  LaFamilia.info  and adapt them to your own situation. It’s also worth clarifying that all of the above should be accompanied by a warm tone, a calm, harmonious, and private atmosphere: from parent to child, from heart to heart.

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If you want to prepare for your children’s adolescence or have a better relationship with teenagers, you can’t miss our eBook ‘ Teenagers: Understanding More to Help Better’.  With a compassionate approach, we address everyday situations and offer valuable tools to support the healthy development of young people.  Learn more here