Is communicating with teenagers difficult? Maybe, or just maybe we don’t give them a chance! Youngsters are smarter than we think, sometimes all they need is the right information and they will get to the correct decision in the end, just as we do as adults. Our job is to learn when to recognize that our young people are ready to take on and learn whatever lessons they need to.
Communication with Teenagers
The first thing to perhaps remember is they are no longer a small child. Our responsibility is not to talk at or down to them, they won’t appreciate it and are likley to lose trust in us. It’s a better approach to let them do the talking and you support with suggestions along the way leaving confrontational suggestions behind. Gentle suggestion will lead to your young teenager communicating more with you, especially if they think it was their idea!
One reason why conversations with teenagers can be so difficult is because it’s challenging to walk that fine line between treating them like an adult, while still exerting some parental control. It’s also tough to watch your children make mistakes that you think you could’ve prevented. The only thing you can really do is give them advice when they are open to it.
These tips may help you strike a good conversation with your teen:
* Make an extra effort to talk to them, but don’t push the issue. It’s normal for a teenager to withdraw from communication from time to time.
* As long as you have no reason to be suspicious of them, you should respect their privacy.
* You can wait to have certain conversations with them until they’re ready, but on the other hand, you don’t want to wait too long.
Talking About Sex
Sex is a topic that you may naturally feel awkward talking about, no matter who you’re having a conversation with. With your own teen, it can be especially tough to have an open and honest talk.
Chances are they already know a great deal about this topic. However, if they ask you questions, be honest with your answers. It’s actually better for them to be getting information from you. You’ll know that what you’re providing is accurate, and you’ll be building a lasting relationship with your teen that will grow into adulthood.
While there are certainly differing opinions on the subject, try to get your perspective across without being judgmental.
Talking About Drugs
The topic of drugs is another important one. It’s best to be educated early on this topic. Children should be taught to avoid drugs, so it’s certainly a topic you should bring up with your teenagers from time to time.
If you’re involved in your teen’s life and have no reason to believe they’d be involved with drugs, you probably have nothing to worry about. However, if your teen acts withdrawn and you don’t know their friends very well, there might be a problem.
Trust your instincts. If you think something’s up, then strive to be more involved. You may be dealing with a tough situation and, therefore, you should make the extra effort to discuss the issue with your teen.
Trusting Your Teen
It all comes down to the issue of trust. Remember that trust is a two way street. If you maintain a good level of trust with your teen, they’ll feel comfortable communicating with you. This will hold true even if it’s one of the tougher conversations. Just make sure you remain open and communicate with your teenager, and they’ll come to you for advice.
About Lynne Ivatt