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"

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Time spent together is one of the five love languages.

  • The importance of giving our teenagers our undivided attention
  • doing something with them – it doesn’t have to be expensive
  • ask them what they enjoy doing
  • don’t set the bar too high – seize opportunities, go out for a pizza, walk the dog together, play or watch sport. go to the cinema or a concert
  • consider spending a more extended period of time with each child once a year

Can you remember a particular example of your parent(s) showing love to you in this way?