Healthy Communication With Your Teen
Navigating the teenage years can be.... tricky.
Teens are wanting to explore more independence in their life and pull away from their parent’s supervision. This can be really hard (and sometimes heartbreaking) for a parent as your relationship with your child changes! It’s important to adapt the way you are communicating with your teen during these years. Here are some tips to help you talk to your teen!
Teens are wanting to explore more independence in their life and pull away from their parent’s supervision.
#Communication Tips
Listen & Observe
Instead of asking direct questions, listen to and observe your teen. Teens are more likely to communicate with their parent if they don’t feel pressure to talk. Make sure you pay attention to mood, behaviour, and energy changes so you can support them if they need help.
Validate Feelings
Instead of solving or downplaying your teens problems, communicate that you understand their disappointments. Try to put yourself in their shoes!
Trust Your Teen
Ask your teen for favours, respect their privacy and give responsibilities that show you trust them. This will help build their self-esteem and confidence. It will also let them know that you're cheering them on in their new-found independence!
Set (Some) Rules
It is important that you still set rules for your teen however, you must be ready to explain them. By having thoughtful explanations and conversations, your teen will see the rules you set as more reasonable.
Remember Compliments!
Finding opportunities to encourage and praise your teen helps build better self-esteem and parent-teen relationships. We're sure you love you teen, so make sure you tell them that.
Cool, Calm & Collected
Research indicates that during your teen years you have less control over your emotions. So, it’s important that you are able to respond in a calm manner to conflict. If you can’t calm down, walk away from the situation until you are more level-headed. Remember, calm doesn’t always mean overly kind!
Quality Time
Share positive experiences with your teen and eat regular meals together with your family. Casual conversations, without prying questions, are important as teens will be more open and honest with you. If possible, have a technology free outing so you can switch off from the world and connect with each other!
If All Else Fails...
Give them a Red Frog! We think that works pretty well.
