How to talk to your teenager.
Many parents find that in the struggle of growing up, their teen becomes unwilling to open up and talk to their family. One of the greatest contributors for a teen’s success is an open line of communication between them and their parents. Do everything you can to keep it open. Here are three steps that can help to establish communication between you and your teen.
1) Start with something easy
Conversation usually creates more conversation. Try to talk about things that they will talk about. If you are always talking about serious things or truly prying into their lives, then of course they are not going to want to talk. However, the more you talk about neutral or easy issues, the more they will be open to talk about other issues.
Easy conversation topics for teens usually revolve around things they’re interested in. Teenagers love to talk to their friends because they are interested in the same things. Find out what they’re into and bring it up.
2) Be a Conversation Starter
Some parents allow their teens to set the pace for aloofness. Their teen gets into the car or comes home from school and not one word is said by either party. This is not good. Be a conversation starter. You may be tempted to play their game of non-communication, but it is not going to help the situation. Don’t stop communicating just because they have. Keep trying, and keep talking. No matter how tough they act, your communication is an expression of love.
3) Go Do Something
Do something out of the ordinary that you know they will enjoy. Take them shopping, go fishing, or go on a walk. Do something different, and don’t talk about the same old same old. Give it a break, and address it another time. By doing this, you tear down the walls that are between you and open the door of communication between you again.
Trey Talley is a bodybuilder, author, and public speaker. He has spoken to and worked with over 1 million teens around the globe about how to build great futures for themselves. His new book Teenage Construction Zone is a great way to communicate great things to your teen for their success. Check it out at http://adsumpress.com/books.php?v=6
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