Open communication lines with teens: Not as hard as it looks

Image source: megmeekermd.com

The stereotypical parent-to-teenager conversation often begins with a concerned parent asking about a child’s day with a child responding in a condescending shrug or a flat “everything’s fine.” Many parents would have experienced such a conversation at one point in their lives and often find themselves asking why establishing open lines of communication with a teenaged child is so difficult.

Being open and receptive to teenagers is an important aspect of the parent–child relationship during the years of adolescence, where a teenager would often be confronted with many events in life that merit the advice of a parent who is willing to listen. These years are an important aspect of a child’s development and serve as a crucial point where the trait of making informed decisions ought to be developed. Finally, teenagers experiencing a rough patch in school just need to remember that someone cares for them.


Image source: specialedpost.com

And it is this desire to know that they have someone to turn to that would make opening communication lines between parents and teens not as arduous as what most people believe. To accomplish this, parents must make teenagers feel that they are interested in their kids’ day-to-day lives and present a warm and inviting atmosphere whenever appropriate.

Moreover, when rapport is established, parents should strive to instill confidence in their teenagers without being too unrealistic.


Image source: nih.gov

Aspen Education Group, a CRC company, promotes academic and personal growth for troubled young people. Visit this website for more information on its programs.