Tips for Talking to Your Teen

Talking to your teenager can be alot like talking to a wall. However, I have found some methods to the madness that actually work. All to often we just babble on and on and never even think about what our teens think. We are the parents, but that does not mean that we can not be wrong. Teens have a unique way of thinking about things, sometimes it pays to open our ears and listen. Here are some tips to follow when you are talking to your teen.

Tip #1

Think before you talk. This sounds easy but really it is not. We, as parents, tend to just talk right off the top of our heads. Even when you think your teen is not listening, they really are. Choose your words carefully because they can come back to haunt you.

Tip # 2

Listen to your teen. I don't mean just hear their words as they pass through your ears. I mean really sit, be quiet and listen to what they have to say. Sometimes they actually make sense. As much as we think we know everything, there is always a new perspective on an old situation.

Tip # 3

Remain calm at all times. If you loose your head with your teen, you may as well slam the door and lock it. The chances of you getting back in anytime soon are close to zero. Teens are funny that way.

Tip # 4

Be honest in everything. If you were wrong, admit it. Be honest even if it is going to hurt their feelings for a minute. Honesty is the best policy in any situation but especially with your teen. We can not teach our teens to be honest if we are not.

Tip # 5

Take into consideration what they are saying to you. Don't always be so quick to throw out their thoughts. As irrational as our teens are sometimes they actually do come up with some pretty good ideas.

Tip # 6

I realize this sounds mean but don't "sugarcoat" the truth for them. When you are talking with your teen be real. Life is going to slap them in the face before to long and the best we can do is prepare them for that. their future boss will not sugarcoat things for them. I am not saying be mean or rude to them , i am simply saying be real with them.