How to Improve your Realionship with Your Teen

Talking to you your teenager can feel a lot like talking to a brick wall. While improving communication with your teenager can seem like an impossible task, there are a few steps to follow that will help you improve your relationship with your teen by communicating better.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Be candid. Remember, they aren't little kids anymore. Tell your teenager like it is. They might not always want to hear it, but they will respect you for it.

2. Don't hide your flaws. Guess what? Your teen knows what your flaws are, and they have no problem pointing them out...to everyone. Talk openly about the mistakes you made as a teen in a manner that makes them laugh at you. Chances are they'll learn something in the process.

3. Eat dinner together. While it sounds simple, turning off the television and having a conversation with your teen over a meal can make a big different.

4. Try to remember that there is a human being inside of them...somewhere. While teenagers can make you feel like speaking to them is an exercise in futility, making you lose your temper, remember that they are human. Treat them with respect, and demand respect in return.

5. Believe them. Showing that you trust your teen can make all the difference in the world when it comes to them confiding in you. Take small steps, and don't question them all the time.

6. Encourage them to make their own decisions and mistakes. The only way to really learn what to do (or what not to) is to make mistakes and grow. Encourage your teen to have independent thoughts. This helps them stray away from peer pressure.

7. Listen...even if it sounds like nails on a chalk board. Pay attention to your teens verbal and non-verbal communication. There's a lot that they'll say with their expressions that they won't always say with words.

8. Find something in common. While this might be something that you think is impossible, you might just find common ground in the most unlikely spots. Learn about what interests your teen. If they like to draw, start drawing. If they play an instrument, learn how to play an instrument too.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient. Communication with teenagers won't get better overnight.
• Be consistent.
• Be persistent.
• If you suspect your teen is participating in dangerous activities, seek the help of a licensed professional, do not use this guide.

[beachmom]

on 2/26/2009 Being straight forward is always best with teens:) Excellent article!