Below are a few tips about connecting with your teen. Do you agree
with any of these tips? Which ones have you tried? Did they work? Share
your own teen parenting tips on this thread.
1 - Your tone of voice is extremely important. Yelling simply doesn't work. The loud noise will shut down the listener (your teen) and you will not get through. If you feel the need to yell, 'time out' of the conversation until you have better control.
2 - "Because I said so" actually works when you are being pulled into a power struggle in discipline situations. You are the parent, and because of this, you do have the final say. Teenagers know this and trust you because of it. But do try to explain your reasoning whenever possible.
3 - Do things
together one-on-one and with the whole family. Good times often bring
about great conversations, and wonderful memories.
4 - Do as
I say, not as I do' doesn't work. Modeling is the best way of learning.
You are your teenager's model and they will emulate your behaviors.
5 - Never shut your teen out to show that you disapprove of their behavior. If you need time before you can talk to them about something that has upset you, tell them that you need time. Don't walk away silent.
Click here - for more tips on communicating with your teen
I have 3 teen nieces and I agree do as I say and not as I do is a no no. Time is essential with kids of any age, but certainly appropriate in this post, especially because getting time with a teen is more difficult than a younger child. I'm not so sure about because I said so. I agree that as a parent you have the final say, but I wouldn't word it that way with a teen.
I THOUGHT!!!!
- marisab
on Jul. 30, 2009 at 9:48 AM