Do you find it hard to connect with your teen? If so, you certainly aren’t alone!
Teenagers are renowned for their moody, disengaged attitude. They have a lot to deal with and the changes they experience can leave them feeling confused, frustrated and irritable.
It’s easy to forget that we parents were once teenagers ourselves. A lack of understanding can cause an emotional gap between you and your teen. So, how can you bridge the gap and bring the two of you closer together?
Here, we’ll look at some of the best tips for letting your teen into your world.
Try to Be Open with Them
You’ll find your teen is much more likely to open up to you if they know you won’t be judgmental or closed off. If you open yourself up, sharing your experiences and knowledge, you’ll find they will come to you with whatever issues they are facing.
As much as they will never admit it, teens like it when their parents are interested in their lives. So, even if you don’t get much back to start with, you taking an interest in what they are doing and how they are feeling will mean more than you realize.
Listen to What They Have to Say
How often do you actually listen to your teen? Listening has become somewhat of a lost skill these days. However, when talking to your teen, it’s important to let them know you are listening to what they say.
Give them plenty of opportunity to take over the conversation. This lets them get things off their mind without you interrupting them. Try to ask questions that get them to elaborate on what they are saying.
If they feel like they are listened to, they will naturally start talking to you more about their problems.
Stay Calm When Disciplining Them
There will be times when you need to discipline your teen. However, it’s a good idea to avoid shouting and letting your frustration show. Anger tends to provoke a defensive response in teens. This can lead to them shouting back at you and blatantly ignoring anything you are trying to teach them.
Instead, try to remain calm and firm. They are much more likely to listen and take on board what you are saying if it isn’t being forcefully shouted at them. Of course, staying calm isn’t easy so this tip may take a little practice!
Spend More Time Together
If you really want to let your teen into your world, spending more time together can help. You could introduce them to your hobbies and show an interest in theirs. For example, maybe they love gaming? If so, find a game you could play together sometimes. If you like walking, take them on hikes every now and again.
The more time you spend together, the better your relationship will be. It isn’t always easy letting your teen into your world. However, the tips above can really help when followed correctly.
