How to Create a Relationship with your Teen

Ever feel as if your teen is from another planet? Or that when your in the same room they are miles away? Well, no time is better than the present to reconnect and improve your relationship with your teen. The following steps will assist in taking the first steps in building a lasting relationship.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Make use of time where you are in the same proximity. Yep, short or long car rides are going to go quicker and be much more enjoyable with chat time. Turn off the radio and suggest an open ended question. This is a question which requires more than a simple yes or no answer. Car time is an excellent time to start with small talk which has a high potential to evolve into a larger topic. One of the great things about a car ride is that it is less threatening than sitting at the kitchen table. A topic can be brought up and discussed without a stare down situation.

2. Consider what your hobbies are compared to your teens. Perhaps choose one of your favorite past times to share and request your child does the same. The bonding which will occur during the time of sharing is priceless.

3. Pay attention to what your teen is doing. Children never lose that desire for their parents to take a sincere interest in what they are doing. Sure during the teen age years this is not as apparent as when the child is a toddler but it is there. By paying attention to the activities in which the teen engages you will get insight into their interest and develop areas in which to develop conversations. Always remember your child is an individual with the desire and right to develop their own opinions or interest areas. To judge or criticize will not change their outlook only their decision to include you in their world.

Tips & Warnings

• When driving and talking be sure not to take your eyes off the road if you are the driver.
• Spying on somebody does not instill trust. There is a gray area between being an observant parent and violation of privacy. A good check system is to ask yourself how you would feel if someone were to do the same to you.

[mvalora]

on 9/22/2009 More good teen advice.

[Alrady]

on 9/4/2009 very good article. i have article too and like you foudn that the car time is an excellent opportunity to get closer. 5 star article thanks

[joni04]

on 8/16/2009 Good tips, talking in the car is one of the best ways to get teens to open up.

[gahazeleyes]

on 8/6/2009 Very informative, thanks

[ljstraight]

on 7/23/2009 Great point on bonding. It's essential. 5 stars