The teenage years can be trying at best; both for parents and teenagers. These formative years present opportunities where a teenager can learn, grow and become more of an individual. But this individuality may come with a price. Teenagers will push the limits, question their identity and try to become more autonomous.
Communication between parents and teenagers suffers during the teen years. Parents are often desperate to gain back the affection and relationship they once had with their child. In those desperate attempts, parents will argue, nag and punish their teenagers. However, this often drives teenagers further away.
Effective communication with a teenager is a great way to remain close and help teenagers come into their own. However, great communication is challenging when parents are used to respectful and obedient children and are faced with an argumentative or obstinate teen.
Listen to Your Teenager
Listening intently and purposefully is a great way to get a teenager to open up. Listening with love and acceptance will help a teenager feel more self-confident. When a teen starts talking, consider it a good opportunity to just listen. Do not judge or tell a teenager he did the wrong thing. Unless a dangerous situation looms, listen in a reflective manner. This will convey that what the teen is saying is important.
Listening can be difficult, but teenagers need to be heard. Parents should practice listening more than talking. Listen to the feelings behind the words and verify what was understood. A teenager may accuse a parent of being too strict but the teen may really mean that he feels he is not trusted.
Showing a teenager respect will help build self-confidence. When talking with a teenager, speak with respect and acceptance. Teenagers may not want to talk about everything with their parents, but they do need to know they can talk with their parents.
Tips for Talking to a Teen
Parents may not get the same quantity of information they received from a child a few years earlier, so the quality of the conversation is what matters most. Cherish the times when a teenager opens up and listen as intently as possible. Use these tips for more effective conversations with a teenager:
The teenage years can be challenging enough for an adolescent without adding conflict with parents. With positive and productive communication, parents can help build a teenager’s self esteem and confidence. Great communication will also make a teen feel accepted and loved.
Author Twinkle Brar
Communication between parents and teenagers suffers during the teen years. Parents are often desperate to gain back the affection and relationship they once had with their child. In those desperate attempts, parents will argue, nag and punish their teenagers. However, this often drives teenagers further away.
Effective communication with a teenager is a great way to remain close and help teenagers come into their own. However, great communication is challenging when parents are used to respectful and obedient children and are faced with an argumentative or obstinate teen.
Listen to Your Teenager
Listening intently and purposefully is a great way to get a teenager to open up. Listening with love and acceptance will help a teenager feel more self-confident. When a teen starts talking, consider it a good opportunity to just listen. Do not judge or tell a teenager he did the wrong thing. Unless a dangerous situation looms, listen in a reflective manner. This will convey that what the teen is saying is important.
Listening can be difficult, but teenagers need to be heard. Parents should practice listening more than talking. Listen to the feelings behind the words and verify what was understood. A teenager may accuse a parent of being too strict but the teen may really mean that he feels he is not trusted.
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Showing a teenager respect will help build self-confidence. When talking with a teenager, speak with respect and acceptance. Teenagers may not want to talk about everything with their parents, but they do need to know they can talk with their parents.
Tips for Talking to a Teen
Parents may not get the same quantity of information they received from a child a few years earlier, so the quality of the conversation is what matters most. Cherish the times when a teenager opens up and listen as intently as possible. Use these tips for more effective conversations with a teenager:
- Be a good listener
- Do not judge
- Do not nag
- Do not lecture
- Respect privacy
- Do not betray trust
- Be accepting
- Use suggestions, not commands
- Do not insult
- Show praise
The teenage years can be challenging enough for an adolescent without adding conflict with parents. With positive and productive communication, parents can help build a teenager’s self esteem and confidence. Great communication will also make a teen feel accepted and loved.
Author Twinkle Brar
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