The Teenage Transition
BEAT THE WINTER BLUES IN YOUR BACKYARD From Snow
to Glow STAY CONNECTED DURING THEIR TRANSFORMATIVE YEARS
Watching your children transition into teenagers is a challenging experience for any parent. Your little girl has traded in her dolls for makeup, and your son would rather spend time with friends than throw a ball around the yard with you. As teens grow, parents have to adapt and adjust to the changes. It won’t always be easy, especially as arguments and disagreements may become more common. Still, you can make this situation easier on yourself by preparing for the changes and adopting helpful strategies. Here are three ways to maintain your relationship with your children as they progress through their teenage years. PROVIDE YOUR CHILDREN WITH NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO FIND THEIR PASSIONS. Your children are in the self-discovery stage of their lives, so it’s vital they get a chance to explore hobbies and activities that interest them. Ask them what they want to do with their free time, and enroll them in extracurricular activities that align with their interests. Be encouraging and supportive, and you’ll quickly see improvements in their mood and your relationship. BE OPEN-MINDED. Our children’s hobbies, interests, and even some personality traits can change as they progress through their teenage years. Be curious about their developing habits and try to involve yourself in activities they enjoy. This extends to discussions about their future. As adulthood approaches, talk with your kids about their career prospects and interests. They might have a different plan than you imagined, but this is when you need to be open-minded and supportive — it will strengthen your relationship immensely.
Winter can be harsh on your yard, as freezing temperatures and heavy snow damage your plants. As the snow melts and the weather warms up, you may notice signs of winter wear and tear in your garden, like brown patches on your lawn or broken tree limbs. With the proper care and strategies, you can mend the cold-weather problems and prepare your outdoor space for a vibrant spring. Layer up, and let’s dig into two key tips for reviving your yard after the cold months end. LAWN Brown patches or bald spots in your lawn are signs of winter damage caused by frozen soil, dehydration, or even snow mold. After the winter, your grass will be extra sensitive, so wait until it’s completely thawed, there are no muddy areas, and the temperature is consistently over 40 degrees before making any repairs. Once it’s time, rake any loose debris from the lawn and aerate it if you see any signs of compacted soil. When it’s warm enough to grow new grass, level the ground with topsoil and spread seeds or install sod in any large bare spots. It’s essential to keep the top of the soil adequately watered as the grass grows. TREES Snow and ice can cause tree branches to break or die and damage the root system. Prune any dead, dying, or broken limbs from the tree, making sure not to remove too much from the tree’s crown, which can leave the plant susceptible to sunburn and disease. When cold temperatures freeze water in the soil around your trees, it can lead to them not getting the proper hydration. Check the soil, and if it’s dry, water it early in the day so it has enough time to absorb before the temperatures drop in the evening. If your tree shows significant damage, it’s essential to contact a professional to determine if it has died. You should remove any dead trees to prevent further issues.
UNDERSTAND THAT YOU WON’T SEE THEM AS OFTEN. The teenage years are when our kids start yearning for
independence. As long as they’re staying out of trouble, let them explore the world around them. They’ll want to spend more time with their friends, visit places like the mall or movie theater without you, and explore romantic relationships. This is a normal part of growing up, and as parents, we should expect and respect the change.
Anthony’s Lawn Care is here to help your yard bounce back after the harsh winter. Call us today to bring your yard back to life!
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AnthonysLawnCare.com • AnthonysTreeRemoval.com • 812-345-5694
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