Parenting Teens - August 22, 2012

Day 6 - Home - A Place of Safety and Acceptance

We look at the importance of our home being a place of safety and acceptance.

•Our family can be a shelter from the different storm our teenagers will face: disappointment, failure, rejection
•When they are hurt, they need our comfort and consolation
•We can demonstrate this practically by allowing them to talk and by listening to them
•Effective communication with teens requires time
•Discussing and debating with teenagers is more effective than lecturing and judging them.


Question:
What changes would you like to make to your family’s home life, in the area of safety and acceptance?

Related Topics: Acceptance, Family, Teens | More Messages from Parenting Teens | Download Audio

From Series: "Parenting Teenagers"

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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

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?