How to Communicate with Your Adolescent

Adolescents need lots of love and affection

An adolescent is considered to be the teen years between 12-20. This period is the transition from childhood to adulthood. During these years it's very hard to keep the lines of communication open between parent and child, but it can be done. Here are some tips to help you communicate with your adolescent.

Things You'll Need

• Patience
• Love and affection
• Desire to communicate
• Positive attitude
• Humor in large doses

Instructions

1. Express your own values to your teenager. Let them know where you stand on important issues such as: sex, money, abortion, religion, drug, alcohol, and other important issues. Don't harp and lecture to your teenager.

2. Listen carefully with all of your attention when your teenager wants to talk to you. Try to respect their opinions even if they are different from yours. Respect them and expect the same from them. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen more than you talk.

3. Let your teenager know what the rules and expectations are for your family, and expect them to abide by them. Choose consequences that fit the infraction; such as if your teenager breaks curfew they would be grounded and unable to go out the next evening. Let teenagers know that if they are out with friends and are ever in a situation where they are uncomfortable or scared; if they call home; you will pick them up willingly.

4. Take an active interest in your teenager' s friends, activities, hobbies, and pursuits. Make friend's feel welcome at your house. Attend events that your teenager is involved in. Take time to do something with your teenager such as working on a hobby together or playing a game. Talk to your teenager about the things they do right: successes, accomplishments, and the positives you see happening in their life.

5. Respect your teenager' s privacy. Don't open mail, E-mails, or read journals and notes. Don't ease drop-on private conversations. Assume the best of your child. Always be aware of where your teenage is and who they are with for their sake; as well as yours.

6. Give your teenager support by expressing confidence in their ability to make good judgments. When they make mistakes support them and help them to see a better way to do things; so they will learn and grow from the mistakes. Don't criticize them needlessly. Use humor and be positive whenever you can.

7. 

   Give your teenager love and affection even though it seems they might not want it. They need to know that they have your love, support, and approval. Remember, eventually all teenagers grow to adulthood.

Tips & Warnings

• Laugh often; use humor when possible

• Love your teenager even when you don't feel like it