• communication involves the message, the speaker, and the listener
• building intimacy in marriage involves hearing each otheros experiences, thoughts, feelings, and desires
The importance of talking
• telling each other our thoughts and feelings
• may have been taught to hide feelings during upbringing
• will take courage and practice to re-Iearn how to talk about feelings
• some have difficultu recognizing what they are feeling (if this describes you, please see the optional homework exercise: Identifying Emotions)
Question:Complete the worksheet under "Extras -> Study Guide"
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?
