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Step 1
Prepare. Know what you want to say to the teen and reduce it to three or four main points. Keeping your main objectives simple will be easier for the teen to remember later.
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Step 2
Be conversational. Turning this talk into a lecture will almost guarantee that the teen will space out and not pay attention. Be more light and conversational with your tone and your points will be more well received. Ask questions about what the teen is learning with his job or how his job hunt is going. Or if she wants to start her own business babysitting, talk to her about people you know who could use a good babysitter.
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Step 3
Hit the repeat button on the teen. Have the teen repeat the main points of your conversation with you. This will ensure that they have interpreted your message correctly and that you are both on the same page.
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Step 4
Know when to abort the conversation. If the teen is not paying attention or appears to be preoccupied with something else, consider having the conversation later.
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Step 5
Listen to what the teen is saying. It is very easy to go into lecture mode, especially since you know what you are talking about. Make sure that you are listening to the teen, acknowledging his thoughts and feelings and giving him the chance to ask questions.
