Parenting Teens - September 3, 2012

Day 18 - Engaging in Dialogue

Parenting Teenagers

We look at the role of dialogue in effective communications.

Be available
• demonstrating we're available and ready to listen helps our teenagers open up • take opportunities for significant conversations when they come up - not always at the most convenient moments for us! • set aside regular time to talk

Question:
What are the principal interests your teenager enjoys talking about?

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From Series: "Parenting Teenagers"

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We look at the role of listening and attention-giving in effective communications.2. Learn to listen

  • treat them like young adults (not children)
  • Listen carefully to their views and feelings
  • Effective communication requires that parents
    • learn to speak with their teenager rather than at their teenager (Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages of Teenagers)
    • engage in discussion and be prepared to debate the issues rather than repeating Simplistic slogans such as “You’re too young to have a boyfriend” or “drugs are dangerous”

3. Give your full attention

  • recognize the important moments to listen and give your full attention
  • don’t try to listen to your teenager while doing something else at the same time

maintain eye contact; observe your teenager’s body language

When have you had your best conversations with your teenager?