Raising teenagers is considered to be quite hard. That is the common consensus. Many teens and their parents do not get along. I am lucky that my teen son and I have a good relationship. However, these things are not a given. Here are some tips from a reader on how to better communicate with your teens, so that you can have a better relationship.
Raising children is fraught with many challenges. After all, no one wants a child to get into bad company, start smoking, gamble at nationalcasino.com/en_au, and the like. And it is natural that the older the child becomes, the more difficult it is to find a common language with him. The greatest difficulties, as a rule, begin with the onset of adolescence.
Let's take a look at tips on how to communicate with your teen children properly.
1. Remember That You Are Not Only a Parent but Also a Friend to Your Child
Teens really need a sense of security in the family. This is manifested through open and honest dialogues, friendly communication, support in difficult times from an adult. Again, you shouldn't go too far and forget about the boundaries of personal space. You need to talk heart to heart, get to know your child, talk about yourself, and not be an evil overseer, less aggression and restrictions.
2. Understand That Your Child is Growing up
Quite often, parents make the same mistake. They think that their children will always be small and dependent. You should not limit the freedom of a teenager, trying to make all decisions for him. Relax a little, do not forbid him everything, do not control every step. Of course, you can ask about the child's friends, about where he is going to go, but you should not think that he is completely dependent and needs constant monitoring.
3. Have Dinner Together
Eating is a great opportunity to talk about each other's lives. Make dinner a pleasant pastime, create a cozy atmosphere so that the teenager wants to spend this time with you. Parents often make the mistake of making one big quarrel and a showdown out of a quiet evening time when everyone should rest. Let your dinner be sweet and kind, then the child will want to talk to you more often and more openly.
4. Arrange Family Gatherings
Regular family gatherings greatly improve the relationship with your teenager. The main thing is to take into account the opinion of the child. Don't force him to do what he doesn't like or doesn't like.
5. Be an Example
To get a child to reach for you, follow your own rules. For you to become an example, it is not at all necessary to be a cool businessman or an outstanding choreographer; it is enough to be a good person who does not contradict your principles.
6. Make Agreements
Make mini-agreements with your child, orally or in writing. Cultivate in him a sense of responsibility for his decisions. Again, the main thing is that you yourself follow the agreements, otherwise all efforts will be in vain.
7. Do Not Expel Him to Work Ahead of Time
There are parents who, on the contrary, try to make their child as independent as possible as soon as possible. Don't force him to pay bills, move out, or buy necessary things himself if he is not already ready to do so. Cultivate independence gradually, and then there will be a result.
8. Resolve Сonflicts in Time
If suddenly you realize that the child does not want to talk to you, he is angry, and does not make contact, then feel free to contact a specialist. Never be afraid to visit a psychologist in time. Of course, you will need to spend some money, but soon this investment will show its results. Do not forget about serious and obvious problems, this can greatly spoil the relationship in the future.