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?
