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?
Home is a place where teenagers learn how to build healthy relationships.
Teenagers learn to relate through observing adult relationships
If parenting together, invest in your relationship (take our marriage course!)
If parenting on your own, build the best relationship you can with the other parent, when possible
Nurture other adult friendships
Mealtimes together – teenagers learn to talk, listen, debate issues, and respect others’ views
Regular family time – having fun together ias a family helps build relationships between parents and children and between siblings (consider having a weekly “family night”)
How can you intentionally model healthy relationships with others in your life, for your teenager to learn from?
