COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR TEEN

Communicating with teenagers can seem difficult. Teens are filled with emotion, and feel a strong need to make their own decisions. But they are not yet adults, and are just developing the skills they will need to make well thought-out decisions. Even though teens may not act like it, they need their parents' love, reassurance, guidance, and advice. So how does a parent get through to a teen?

One way to start is to show respect for your teen. Respect their privacy in their phone calls, mail, and need for private space at times. Respect their ability to make decisions. Do not put down your teen's worries as unimportant. Doing so discounts their real feelings.

Another way to help improve communication is to let them make decisions about their clothes or hairstyle. You can help your teen learn about compromise by negotiating an agreement about clothes, hair, and curfews. Ask your teen what their opinion is on these topics, and ask them what they believe would be a fair compromise.

Remember too, to keep a sense of humor. Be honest and expect that your teen will be honest too. Tell them what your concerns are, but do not compromise if you believe that your teenager is involved in something that could be destructive. At that point, you should seek the advice of a counselor or health professional. They can help direct you to resources in your community to help improve your relationship with your teen.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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