As a teacher and parent (my son is now age 30) I found that effective communication is the key in communicating with your teen. It is a learn as you go kind of thing as you know things change from day to day with teens, whether as a teacher or as a parent.
A sure-fire way of inviting problems into your relationship with your teenager is by sending mixed or unclear messages. Clear communication is an absolute must if you want to have a bonding relationship with your teenager. It helps to build a foundation of trust, fosters a healthy self-esteem, encourages positive behavior, and helps tone down frustration and stress in the family.
While many parents feel it is close to impossible to have a conversation with their teenager, there are ways. Your child really isn't becoming a new special breed of alien. They're just growing up and they still do want to connect with you. Try these tips to get, and keep, the conversation rolling in your home.
1. Use your active listening skills and watch out for those door slammers.
2. Talk often with your teen to bring out positive opinions, ideals, and behaviors by using an
affirmative tone and body language.
3. Treat your teenager with the same respect you would have them treat you. Say, 'hi', I love
you', 'how was your day', etc.
4. Your tone of voice is extremely important. Yelling simply doesn't work. The loud noise will
shut down the listener (your teen) and you will not get through. If you feel the need to yell,
'time out' of the conversation until you have better control.
5. Be precise and detailed about what you expect. Write it down and use an Action Plan if you
feel there is a need.
6. If you're giving your teenager instructions, write them down. It's a fail-safe for teens and
adults. This way they will remember what they are expected to do and you can feel sure that
you "told" them correctly. Remember, to-do lists will keep you stress free.
7. Do things together one-on-one and with the whole family. Good times often bring about great
conversations, and wonderful memories.
8. 'Do as I say, not as I do' doesn't work. Modeling is the best way of learning. You are your
teenager's model and they will emulate your behaviors.
9. Never shut your teen out to show that you disapprove of their behavior. If you need time
before you can talk to them about something that has upset you, tell them that you need
time. Don't walk away silent.
10. "Because I said so" actually works when you are being pulled into a power struggle in
discipline situations. You are the parent, and because of this, you do have the final say.
Teenagers know this and trust you because of it. But do try to explain your reasoning
whenever possible.
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