Good Communication With Teenagers – How Do You Do It?

Adolescence is a complicated stage in a child’s life. It is a time of many changes that affect their outward appearance and inner feelings. Having good communication with teenagers can be really difficult. To get a better idea of ​​how to talk to them, today we take up some useful suggestions.

Adults can really struggle to have good communication with teenagers. Between the ages of 12 and 20, the children’s interests are focused on themselves and their independence. At the same time, parents often represent a source of conflict, an oppression of their freedom and constant quarrels.

But we all know that the ultimate goal for all parents is the happiness of their children. To achieve this, there must be a healthy dialogue. However, it can be extremely difficult and really tricky to try to maintain a relaxed and trusting relationship with your teenager.

6 things to keep in mind for good communication with teenagers

Although there may be difficulties when talking to a teenager, parents should be patient and never give up. After all, it is the best tool for creating and maintaining a bond with their children.

Here are some recommendations that may be helpful to you:

1. Do not force the situation

Having a snack should not take place bar because the parents want it. On the contrary, it should happen when the teenager himself needs it. Do not force them to sit and talk and talk about their problems.

The best thing you can do is show them that you are open, understanding and accessible. Empathy will also be a great help. Without pressure, just say that you also went through similar situations and that your experience can be useful.

2. Listen to them

Interestingly, the second key to talking to teens has to do with listening instead of talking. Many conversations between parents and children end in monologues, speeches and anecdotes that are irrelevant. In this way, we only succeed in driving them away.

Our mission is exactly the opposite. We should address their concerns and, when asked, contribute our views. We should act in a practical way, just as a friend would, but at the same time never leave our role as parents. If you have to set boundaries and rules in certain matters, do not hesitate to do so.

3. Build trust – a and o for good communication with teenagers

In addition to respecting the secrets your teen entrusts to you, your child also wants to see you as someone he or she can trust. For example, if he or she shares a serious problem with you, it is best to first comfort him or her, and then try to fix it.

When all this is done, you can admonish him or her or point out what he or she may have done wrong. Just think what the result would be if you did the opposite? He or she would probably never talk about their problems again and that is not our goal when it comes to communicating with teenagers.

4. “Innocent” questions

A very effective communicative tactic is to ask “innocent” questions. For example, you could say something like, “So what you’re really trying to say is…?” Or “So all this has really made you feel….?”

Be sure to do this in a delicate way. Do not show any kind of mistrust, and just be honest and sincerely interested in the answer.

This, in addition to giving them attention and showing interest in them, is a way to take the edge off tensions. It will also give us time to try to devise a new action plan. This will probably make them more satisfied, and they can also trust us and share more with us.

5. You need to be calm in the conversation

Nothing good can come out of a conversation where screams and upset voices are frequent. Always try to give a sense of calm and reason to the conversation. The teenager will be ready to react aggressively to the slightest sign of aggression or strong resistance.

6. The answer – a central aspect of communication with teenagers

We already mentioned the importance of listening. But, how shall we now answer? The first thing we must take into account is that no matter how much we want to gain the teenager’s trust, we must also be role models, guides and teachers.

Therefore, we must consider giving in to some things but sticking to others. If they are small things, try not to put too much time or priority on them. If you make everything into a conflict, it will not benefit your relationship in the least.

Try to look for the positive side in every situation. Encourage and trust your teen and tell him or her that with effort and perseverance it will always be good.

Remember that at this age one tends to be dramatic and negative. So do not worry if your child seems a little “distant”. He or she just learns how to build their own identity.

Always remember that you have a different mentality than they have. He or she is his or her own person. Put yourself in his or her shoes and think about how difficult it can be for a teenager to open up and tell his or her parents things.

If we do not talk, we can not have good communication with teenagers. Do not miss the chance to help them!