What You Should Know About Effective Communication with Your Teenager
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As your teen grows more into their independence, often times so does your level of communication. Instead of them letting you know what is going on or relying on you for anything, they would much rather isolate to their room or be with their friends. While this is a seemingly normal life transition, you can change your communication style to accommodate the changes in continuing to develop your interpersonal relationship with your teen.
The relationship with your teen has continuously changed from birth until now and you should proceed with that flexibility. Whether your teen wants to admit it or not, they need your guidance and support just as much as they ever did. Being a sounding board for their impulsive and juvenile notions can make a difference in how they conform to their circumstances going forward and why you should adapt to effective communication skills.
Be engaged
If you are looking at your phone or doing something around the house while your teen is giving you the rundown of their life, they may feel inadequate of your time or get bored of talking to a distracted parent. Genuinely paying attention and being curious to what is important to them is crucial. Ask questions without prying into their life or giving unsolicited advice as there is a time and a place for that as well. Giving them your undivided attention will go a long way in them telling you stuff in the future.Stay neutral
There may be times that you feel overwhelmed with what they are saying to you. In fact, you may want to shake them and blow up at their immature choices. The best thing you can do for them is to remain calm and let them get through what they are saying. By being tolerant, you appear approachable to them and they will feel safe in your presence.Listen
If there is anything that you can do to make them feel special - hearing what they are saying is imperative. Listening has become a dying art with all the multi-tasking that goes on in a day. You do not want them to feel like you are thinking of something else why they are talking or that you are clueless to answer their questions when they ask. Give them 15 to 30 minutes a day to hear what they have to say. This is the best way to understand them and parent them in they way they wish to be. Relationships are difficult at times and so you will need to find the appropriate communication tactics that will help to build the relationship with your teen rather than tear it apart. Having open communication with a teenager can make having positive dialect in your house a reality.If you or an adolescent you know needs to get help for drug or alcohol abuse, Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center can give you the guidance that you deserve. Establishing a strong network of family and community can reinforce practices for living substance free.
Call us today to start living in your recovery: 662-598-4214
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