Parenting Teens - September 4, 2012

Day 19 - Effective Communications Strategies Part I

Parenting Teenagers

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 o learn to speak with their teenager rather than at their teenager (Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages of Teenagers) o 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

Question:
When have you had your best conversations with your teenager?

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From Series: "Parenting Teenagers"

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. Be Fair and Clear

  • are they old enough to understand our instructions?
  • are we expecting too much for their age?

2. Use your voice effectively

  • use a serious tone of voice to teach what “no” means
  • aim not to shout unless warning of danger

3. Action gets results

  • shouting and threatening are ineffective
  • important to take action over bad behavior,
  • i.e: follow through with a consequence

What choices have you given your child(ren) today?  What encouragement have you given for right choices this week?  What unpleasant consequences have you used for wrong choices this week?

 

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