Parenting teens is very challenging and difficult. Teenagers have a tendency of being too private and withdrawn from adults. Many of them feel that adults cannot understand their emotions, feelings and problems.
WebMD shared some tips for talking with teens. Hopefully, these tips can help parents effectively communicate with teenagers and develop a better relationship with each other.
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1. Do not give a lecture.
One of the most useful tips for talking with teens is to avoid lecturing them. It is tempting to lecture someone you believe is inexperienced and young but doing so will only create a barrier between the two of you.
Make sure to listen to their thoughts, feelings and experiences without judging them. When you offer an advice, do not be too pushy and judgmental. Never belittle their feelings.
"The conversation between any two people will break down if one of the two is put on the defensive and made to feel he's being accused of something," university professor Laurence Steinberg told WebMD. "Teenagers can be surprisingly easy to talk with if the parents make it clear that they're listening to the teen's point of view," WebMD shares.
2. Keep it short and sweet.
Parents who talk to their teens for long periods of time are at a risk of boring their kids. Because of the boredom they felt during their past conversations with their parents, some teens might become averse to future talks with their parents.
Parents need to constantly monitor if their kids are still engaged with their conversation. Better to quit while you are ahead and talk some more at another time.
3. Create opportunities.
Creating opportunities for meaningful conversations is one of the most effective tips for talking to teens. "Make sure you connect with each of your children every single day, alone, even if just for a short time," Aha Parenting advises. "Being on hand when they come home is a sure-fire way to hear the highlights of the day, but anytime you get in their space and in sync with their energy level works."
