BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES

Parenting Your Teen:Communicating

• Creating a comfortable climate• Basic rules• Don’ts• Best Practices

Objectives

• When – best at night• Where • In their space• In the car• Choose the right medium – Learn their

language• Texting• Cell phone• Face book

Climate

• Both need to be there – Parent and teen – don’t have a conversation with a wall.

• Be open and willing to listen to what they have to say.

• Be willing to stop and let it go.• Agree to disagree.

Basic Rules

• Don’t yell• Don’t curse• Don’t us extremes such as: never, must,

always & should• Don’t judge• Don’t disapprove of teen, disapprove of

behavior• Don’t give them a way out

Don’ts

• Talk often• Talk about everything• Talk with respect• Be precise• “Because I said so!” – is sometimes o.k.• Use positive body language

• Smile - Don’t cross your arms• Hug and kiss them

Best Practices

Opening the Lines of Communication

Spend time together – make time to laugh.

Not EVERY minute has to be a learning experience.

Don’t criticize your teen – especially not in public or in front of friends.

Balance genuine praise and helpful feedback.

BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES

Parenting Your Teen:Communicating