Parenting Teens - September 4, 2012

Day 19 - Effective Communications Strategies Part I

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?

From Series: Parenting Teenagers | More Messages from Parenting Teens | Download Audio

From Series: "Parenting Teenagers"

Study Guide

More Messages Associated With "Family"...

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  • value of laughter
  • plan special family times
  • make sure the time is clear of any other commitments for every member of the family
  • prevent interruptions from the telephone or other people (unless they are invited with the understanding that it is family time
  • Suggested routine for family times
    • try to make it the same time each week
    • spend at least an hour and a half having fun
    • take turns choosing what activity you do (See worksheet)
    • have it coincide with a meal
    • get each family member in turn to choose their favorite menu -when they are old enough, use it as an opportunity to teach them to cook their choice of food
    • make sure conversation and activities are at the level of the children
    • if it is a week night, work out when to fit in homework, music practice, etc. (before or after depending on the age of the children)
    • turn off the TV, or limit it to one program or DVD that you can watch together
  • children learn about good and bad behavior from their family
  • they learn values such as:
    • thinking about others
    • taking responsibility
    • helping around the house

How can you plan a focused time of play with your child(ren) this week?  Spend some time thinking about your moral compass – where does it point?  Why?

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