Talking To Teens: 6 Key Issues

Adolescence is a complex stage in life that involves numerous changes that affect both a child’s appearance and emotions. Talking and communicating with teens can be difficult at times, which is why we’re listing a few tips on the subject today.

It may be for an adult behind the job to talk to their teenage child. The 12-20-year-old’s interests are related to himself and his independence. In their eyes, parents are often representatives of conflict, restriction of liberty, and ongoing strife.

The most important goal of parents for their children is their happiness, which requires healthy communication. This can be extremely difficult with a teenager – building a relaxed and confidential relationship is not always easy with a young person of this age.

Talking to a teenager and 6 key points

While talking to a teenager can be difficult, parents should continue to try patiently and without giving up. However, communication is the best tool for creating and developing a close bond with your child.

1. Don’t force teens to talk to you

The conversation should not always take place when parents want it, but when the teenager needs it . Don’t force the child to sit down with you and tell you about their problems.

The best thing you can do is show that you are open, understanding, and available. Empathy is a great help. Without pressure, say that you went through similar things in your time, and that your experience can benefit him.

2. Listen to the young person

Interestingly, one of the key things when talking to a teenager is just listening. Many story sessions are a parental monologue, speech, or full of irrelevant narratives. That way, you only manage to drive the teen away.

Your goal is to get him to talk. Take note of his concerns and – when he asks – comment on his opinion. Behave in a practical way, just like a friend would, but at the same time always keep your role as a parent. If you need to set boundaries in some things, don’t hesitate to do this.

3. Build a confidential relationship

In addition to not telling things forward, your child wants to see you as a person he or she can rely on. For example, if he talks about his serious problem, it is best to comfort him first and then try to resolve the situation.

Once this is done, you can then warn or tell you what he may have done wrong. Think about what the result would be if you did things the other way around? A teenager will probably never tell you about their problems again.

4. Take advantage of innocent questions

A very effective means of communication is this, that is, asking “innocent” questions. For example, you could say, “So you really mean…?” or “So all this makes you feel that…?”.

Be careful that you do this in a way that does not post doubts. Don’t show any distrust, and be honest.

This, along with giving the teen attention and showing interest in her, is a way to relieve tension. This will also give you time to try to think of another course of action. This may make the teen feel better, and she may even tell you more things.

5. Try to keep the conversation calm

Nothing good follows from shouting. Always try to make the conversation calmer and come up with sensible ideas. A teenager is often willing to react aggressively to any sign of strife or strong opposition.

6. Pay attention to the answers

We have already mentioned the importance of listening. But then how should one respond to a teenager? First, keep in mind that no matter how you would like to gain your child’s trust, you also need to be a role model, a guide, and a teacher.

Therefore, one should think about concession in some things, but in others be stubborn. When it comes to small things, try not to give them too much importance – if everything becomes a conflict, the conversation is not good for your relationship at all.

Try to look for the positives in all situations. Encourage and trust your teen, and tell them that with effort and perseverance, things always go well in the end.

Remember that adolescence in young people is often dramatic and negative. So don’t worry if he seems a little “closed”. The young person is just learning to build their own identity.

You have a different mentality than your child – put yourself in his position and think about how hard it is for a teenager to open up and talk confidentially with their parents. Don’t miss the opportunity to help your child at this revolutionary stage!