Teenagers are some of the most diverse people in the world. There is never a dull moment around them and sometimes it's hard to tell what they are thinking or feeling. Trying to connect with your teen can be a challenge, a challenge that drives you crazy!
To relate better to your teenagers, set clear boundaries but also be understanding to their needs. Listen to your teen before jumping to the wrong conclusion. Listening to what your teen is saying will help you to understand where they are coming from. This does not mean you will always agree with them, but you are forming a closer bond by caring about their feelings. It is important for your teen to be able to come to you no matter what the problem is. If you don't make yourself approachable, your teen will find support elsewhere. Unfortunately, it might be the wrong type of support.
Be open to having fun with your teenagers. Learn to let the little things go and focus on the positive aspects of your relationship. Even though most teens like their space, find activities to do together. Share meals together to better enhance the family unit.
While you might cringe at the fashions or interests your teen likes, remember each generation has its own trends. Most of the time, this is a passing phase and not something that will impact your teen in the future. Try to understand your teen's need to fit in just like you did when you were young. The gap between you and your teen isn't that wide if you think about it.
Take pause if your teen confronts you with a controversial issue. Don't be judgmental, but get the facts first. Remember, you don't want to push your teen away. Decide with your teen the best way to deal with the situation. Most teens are just as fearful as you about going down the wrong path. They need guidance, not judgment.
As with anyone, when you feel judged, ridiculed or not listened to, you tend to stay away from those people. It is the same in the relationship between a teenager and their parents. By forming a close bond with your teenager, you will better relate to them and they will have the desire to enlist you for support, guidance and encouragement.
To relate better to your teenagers, set clear boundaries but also be understanding to their needs. Listen to your teen before jumping to the wrong conclusion. Listening to what your teen is saying will help you to understand where they are coming from. This does not mean you will always agree with them, but you are forming a closer bond by caring about their feelings. It is important for your teen to be able to come to you no matter what the problem is. If you don't make yourself approachable, your teen will find support elsewhere. Unfortunately, it might be the wrong type of support.
Be open to having fun with your teenagers. Learn to let the little things go and focus on the positive aspects of your relationship. Even though most teens like their space, find activities to do together. Share meals together to better enhance the family unit.
While you might cringe at the fashions or interests your teen likes, remember each generation has its own trends. Most of the time, this is a passing phase and not something that will impact your teen in the future. Try to understand your teen's need to fit in just like you did when you were young. The gap between you and your teen isn't that wide if you think about it.
Take pause if your teen confronts you with a controversial issue. Don't be judgmental, but get the facts first. Remember, you don't want to push your teen away. Decide with your teen the best way to deal with the situation. Most teens are just as fearful as you about going down the wrong path. They need guidance, not judgment.
As with anyone, when you feel judged, ridiculed or not listened to, you tend to stay away from those people. It is the same in the relationship between a teenager and their parents. By forming a close bond with your teenager, you will better relate to them and they will have the desire to enlist you for support, guidance and encouragement.