Parenting’s a tricky job, especially when it comes to teens. Don’t despair, though—there are ways to improve your relationship.
Keys to Communication:
Parents often find their relationship with their teen strained along communication lines. A few pointers will help keep conversations on track.
- Don’t be condescending. Treat your teenagers as intelligent, mature individuals. You can include them in family discussions—and make sure to value their input as you would an adult’s. Likewise, don’t dismiss negotiating rules as arguing, and take what they say into consideration.
- Spend time with your teenager other than while arguing or pointing out things that need improvement. Any successful relationship incorporates both the good and the bad. Whether it is movie time from www.direct.tv or dinner with them, make sure time spent is worth it.
- Listen. The key to any successful communication, listening will show your child that you truly have their best interests at heart.
Quick to Criticize? Don’t Be!:
Parenting is a difficult balancing act. You want to look out for your children, but shouldn’t come down hard at every opportunity. Here’s how:
- Don’t jump to judgments. Objectivity is key; you won’t always like everything your teen does. You may not share their style or taste in music, but keep an open mind.
- Take yourself out of a power struggle. You can be a concerned parent, but pick your battles wisely. Focus on the important conversations, such as grades instead of clothing choice.
- Make an effort to know their friends—and not in a judgmental way. Engage your teenager’s friends in real conversations.
- Praise your kids for good things, too, instead of always criticizing.
With some patience, you can combine being a trusted confident with disciplining. When teenagers trust you, they might just want to do what you ask.
