How to Communicate With Your Teenager

 How to Communicate With Your Teenager

As a child, he talked to you about everything. As a teenager, he tells you nothing. 

When you try to converse, he either gives clipped responses or ignites an argument that turns your home ground into a battleground.

You can learn to talk with your teenager.

WHY IT HAPPENS

The quest for independence.

To become a responsible adult, your teenager must, in a figurative sense, gradually move from the passenger seat to the driver's seat and learn to navigate life's treacherous roadways. 

Of course, some teenagers want more freedom than they should have; on the other hand, some parents grant less freedom than they could. The tug-of-war that may result can create considerable turmoil for parents and teens.

Abstract thinking. 

Young children tend to think in concrete, black-and-white terms, but many teenagers can perceive the gray areas of a matter. 

T

his is an important aspect of abstract thinking, and it helps a young person develop sound judgment. Consider an example: To a child the concept of fairness seems simple: 'Mom broke a cookie in two and gave half to me and half to my brother.' In this case, fairness is reduced to a mathematical formula.

Teenagers, however, realize that the concept is not that simple. 

After all, fair treatment is not always equal, and equal treatment is not always fair. Abstract thinking allows your teenager to grapple with such complex issues.

 WHAT YOU CAN DO

When possible, have casual chats. 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 rather than face-to-face.

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.

Listen-and be flexible.

Listen carefully-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 Staying Connected to Your Teenager. "The one in which they tell their parents what they want to hear and the one in which they do as they please once they are out of their parents' sight.

Stay calm.

 Rather than overreact, say something that "mirrors" your teen's feelings. 

For example, instead of saying, "That's nothing to worry about!" say, "I can see how much this bothers you."

To the extent possible, guide, don't dictate. Your teen's abstract thinking skills are like muscles that need to be developed. 

So when he faces a dilemma, do not do his "exercising" for him. 

As you discuss the matter, give him a chance to come up with some solutions of his own. Then, after you have brainstormed a few options, you could say: "Those are a few possibilities. Think them over for a day or two, and then we can get together again to talk about which solution you prefer and why."

FOR TEENAGERS

Do you want your parents to extend you more freedom? 

Do you wish that they really understood you? 

You can make it easier for them to do both! How? Be willing to tell them what's going on in your life. 

Talk openly. When you hold back, they cannot fully trust you-and trust is the key to your getting more freedom.

The point is, do not leave all the communication up to your parents. Do your part. Tell your parents about your day. Ask them about theirs. If you have a complaint, learn how to express it respectfully. 

Communication is a skill that you will need in adulthood. 

Why not acquire it now?