Parenting Teens - September 6, 2012

Day 21 - Effective Communications Strategies Part III

We look at the role of reflecting back, responding appropriately and taking a long-term view in healthy communications.

7. Reflect back what they have said • say back to them what you think they are trying to express, particularly their feelings use some of their own words and phrases

8. Respond appropriately • give guidance and reassurance • they are likely to remember our words for years to come

9. Take a long-term view • sometimes any meaningful communicationwith teenagers can be a big struggle • difficulties are usually the result of a phase they're going through • try to create the conditions for conversation to become easier, at mealtimes; spending time with them doing what they enjoy; using their love language • if worried, seek professional help and/or medical support

Question:
Role play with another adult. Have them share a typical teenage problem with you, and reflect back what they’ve said. Go back and forth for a few minutes, then switch. What was easy or hard about this?

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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