Connect with Your Teen
By Laura Muir, MSSS Social Counselor
The best way to keep your teen safe and on the road to success is maintaining open and honest communication. You want to be the person they come to for advice and support, the good and the bad.
Keeping communication open with a teen takes a few tricks.
1. Listen. Show interest and curiosity.
2. Validate and acknowledge what they feel and believe, even if you don’t agree.
3. Show trust and avoid dictating rules. Boundaries are VITAL but should be a discussion and not an order.
4. Praise them and avoid judging them.
5. Don’t take things personally. Keep your emotions in check, even when they are intentionally pushing your buttons. In education we say, “all behaviour is communication.” Step back and ask yourself why they are emotional or angry.
6. Spend time together having fun, including carefree ways. Teens often want to be closer to their parents than they let on.
7. Know their routines and rhythms. Notice changes and ask them about it in a supportive way.