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
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