HELP FOR THE FAMILY /PARENTING -How to Communicate With Your Teenager

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

When possible, have casual chates.  Take advantage of informal moments. For example, some parents have found that teenagers are more apt to open up while doing chores or while riding in the car, when they are side-by-side with a parent than face-to-face. - Bible principle: DEUTERONOMY 6:6, 7.

Keep it brief.  You do not have to argue every issue to the bitter end. Instead, make your point . . . and then stop.  Most of your message will be "heard" by your teenager later, when he's alone and can ponder over what you've said.  Give him a chance to do so. -Bible principle: PROVERBS 1:1-4.

Listen-and be flexible.  Listen carefuly-without interrupting-so that you can get the full scope of the problem. When replying, be reasonable. If you rigidly adhere to rules, your teen will be tempted to look for loopholes.  "This is when kids live two lives,' warns the book Stayibg Connected to the Teenager.  "The one in which they tell their parents what they want to hear and the one in which they do as they plese once they are out of their parents' sight." - Bible principle: PHILIPPIAS 4:5.

Next time: HELP FOR THE FAMILY /PARENTING -How to Communicate With Your Teenager -Conclusion

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