If communication starts to break down, try our pointers for talking to your teenager
It is natural for your teen to exhibit a certain amount of independence. The problem is some will exhibit a lot of independence and communication becomes more difficult. Also, you might remember the generation gap you endured with your parents. Things are no different today with one major exception; Technology has changed the way teenagers communicate in general. Here are some helpful hints on how to talk to your teenager.
- Be a Good Listener Parents are real good about giving advice, wanted or unwanted. What some parents forget to do is listen to your teenager. You have been teaching them to think for themselves, so it seems absurd to not listen to their thoughts and opinions. They might surprise you with their insight.
- Non-Verbal Cues Tell the Tale Teenagers are generally seeking approval from their parents and don't want to disappoint them. They are likely to say one thing when another thing is true. When dealing with crisis type situations, you should look for changes in their behavior, changes in their mannerisms and be sure to take note of their body language.
- Keep it Real If you don't want your teen to fib to you, don't fib to them. They are well on their way to becoming adults and they can have a great capacity to deal with the truth. Treat them with respect by being honest and you will improve the trust between you and your teenager. These are just a few helpful hints. You need to work diligently at keeping the lines of communication open between you and your teen. The last thing you want to experience is a breakdown in the trust between you and your child.
