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The teenage years, need i say more? Learning to communicate with your teenager will only improve your relationship at this complicated time. but this learning process for you parents can only be taught one step at a time. I know you probably have more questions than you can list and don't have an expert to help solve them. It seems like the only place you can find any advice is in Seventeen Magazine, making you blush. So what do you do? Where to you get answers?
Okay, remain calm, it isn't too tough, start with trusting your instincts. You probably have most of the answers. After all, you can remember back to when you were a teenager, right? If you can't go fish your high schol yearbook out from under your bed and spend some time flipping through it. Now you remember who you were, don't you?
Now, the key word to this befriending process is COMMUNICATION, talking, conversing, chating, etc. This is an exercise that has been apart of your relationship from the beginning. You taught him his first word. You told her her first bedtime story. However, somewhere along the line we, as parents, have lost touch with our kids. Why? Because we have stopped talking to them. The importance of communication as decreased. For many of us talking with our children is gradually replaced by talking at them. So we have to regress and regain some of mutual respect.
Okay, the first thing to understand about communicating with your teenager is listening. This is the first step you need to take if any of my little pointers on timing a conversation are going to work. While you are having a conversation with your teenager, remember to shut your mouth, open your ears, and open your heart. I didn't say hear, I said listen. Don't judge, don't preach--LISTEN!!! Offer advice, offer opinions, offer guidance and most importantly, don't hand out commandments.
Had dinner together lately? Try it. No TV, no books, just you, your teen and dinner on the table. If schedules are a real problem, try meeting your teen for lunch or have a picnic.
And that brings up another prime talking opportunity. When you're in the car, turn off the radio and chat. You have prime time while you are driving don't waste it.
My personal favorite is the "Gee whiz, it's been a busy day. Let's go for ice cream." Get the frozen confection of your choice and find a shady spot and take a few minutes to share some conversation.
You will find a hundred and one other times when you can talk to your teen. Maybe you like fishing or sailing or golf. Do those things together. Whatever your solution communication is what counts.
The key to keeping your relationship with your teen on track is communication. The key to communication is give and take. If your kid feels like he or she can talk to you about anything then here is everything you need to help him or her become a happy and mature adult.
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