Parenting teenagers involves gradually letting out the boundaries and giving increased freedom and responsibility. We compare different parenting styles (neglectful, authoritarian, indulgent and authoritative) and show how a combination of warmth and firmness (authoritative parenting) is the most beneficial to a teenager’s healthy development.
Adapting our approach
• Communication not always easy through the teenage years
• learning curve for most parents
• adults and teenagers tend to communicate in different ways
See attached file for some differences!
• if we allow them to tell us what they find difficult about how we communicate with them, they are more likely to listen to us when we need to tell them what we find difficult about how they communicate with us
• understand that sometimes teenagers like to be contrary. (If we get heavy and intense they will probably react strongly just to give us a hard time)
• give them space. Respect their privacy.
• don't try to control every aspect of their lives.
• don't expect them to tell you everything
Question: How easy or difficult is it for you to communicate with your teenager(s) currently?
We look at the role of Paying Attention to Their World, Listening for Feelings & Avoiding Interruptions in effective communications.4. Show an interest in the world of your teenageres)
ask questions about their interests and listen to their answers
treat them as unique individuals with their own points of view and personal tastes
5. Listen for feelings
allow them to express negative emotions
don’t rush in with solutions right away
6. Try to avoid interrupting
the average person listens for only seventeen seconds
resist the desire to be defensive or to butt in and correct
What affirming words can you share with your teenager this week? What one-to-one time can you plan?
