Life goes through various stages and one of the most challenging yet exciting phases for both parents and children is the teenage years. From physical to mental and behavioural changes, a person experiences a tsunami of emotions in this phase. Teenage life is also one of the most happening years for many people as individuals usually enter college life and meet people from various backgrounds.
Amid all these changes and excitement, a serious challenge for parents is to find ways for effective communication with teenagers. As parents or guardians, it is crucial to guide and communicate with children in their teenage lives to ensure they are on the right page. In this phase of life, people need someone they can share their emotions with and seek guidance. Parents or guardians must be their support. For this, you need to understand the unique stage of development they are in and also you need to adjust as per their changing approach. This article will focus on various ways in which you can have effective communication with teens.
Why is Communicating with Teens Challenging?
Teenage is the age of rapid changes. Not only it is a new phase for children but parents also have to adjust accordingly to be their best support. This is the time when children can now be included in decision-making. Parents and children can discuss to reach a unanimous decision. Excluding teens from general discussions may make them feel isolated and even rude.
As parents, it is crucial to understand that their teens now have their own set of viewpoints, some of which can be completely different from their parents. They may take up new activities that parents may not understand. In due course, it is also quite possible that teens may make a few wrong decisions. Effective communication with teenagers becomes challenging when parents get hardwired with their thoughts and viewpoints. Adapting to the changing values of society and the new ideas of the next generation is very important to establish meaningful and effective communication.
Handy Tips and Rules to Communicate better with a Teenager
Understanding and mutual respect can help establish communication with anyone. People usually hustle with the question how to talk to teenagers. Well, it is not a tough puzzle to crack. Here are a few tips for both parents and teenagers to establish a friendly conversation.
If you are wondering how to communicate with teenagers, here are some tips to help you out:
Rule 1: Build a bond with your child
Before stressing over how to get your teenager to talk, you need to build a strong relationship with them. Remember, they will only be able to open up when they consider you their safe space. Sharing things about your life, profession, and people around can be a good way to start conversations. You may ask them about how their day was and what happened. As a family, you all can sit and have a happy tea time where everyone can speak up and share their daily lives. Make them feel included in every discussion and decision.
Rule 2: Pay full attention, show empathy, and validate their feelings
Most of the problems in this world can be solved by merely talking and listening to others patiently. For teenagers, their parents, guardians, or friends are their safe space. Being an active listener gives them the confidence that they are being valued and heard. It is important even if what they say is not very important to you. For them, it matters, and that is what parents need to understand. Do not indulge in other activities while they talk to you.
Rule 3: Understand their Pperspective and acknowledge ther challenges
You may have things to do while your child wants to communicate with you. The best way out is to do either of the tasks first. Make sure when you sit down to listen to your kid there are no distractions like household chores, professional calls, or mobile phones. Make eye contact and show your interest in what they say. Remember, listening carefully involves not only serious discussions but also funny day-to-day life happenings.
Rule 4: Encourage honest and non-judgmental conversations
Your goal as a parent must be to listen, understand, and solve the problems of your kid and be their support. Being judgemental may make no difference to the situation but may push your kid towards hiding things from you. It is only possible when you actively listen and show them assurance through body language. Clear their insecurities and make them understand that you are not going to judge but only help them out. Gradually, you may become your child's biggest support throughout their life.
Rule 5: Model respectful communication
Teenagers are rebellious by nature. The changing physical, emotional, and mental dynamics can make them rude, irritated, and rebellious, especially when things are not as per they want. In such times, you have to be their support pillars to guide them in the right direction.. You can only advise your kid about what is right and what is wrong. The final decision has to be theirs. Forcing them to do certain things can only push them towards being rebellious and rude. So, try to establish effective communication with teenagers and show them the right path.
Rule 6: Seek professional counselling if needed
Sometimes, even after your best possible efforts, teens may not be able to open up about what they are going through. As parents, it can be hurtful to see your child suffering and not find the right solution to cure the problem. In such a case, you can and must seek a professional’s advice. Mental health experts like psychiatrists or psychologists can offer counselling sessions where your child can relax and open up. If you are struggling with how to communicate with my teenage daughter or how to communicate with your son, counselling can be a way out.
>>Also Read: Why do Teenagers Need Health Insurance?
It’s Your Turn
Strengthening your relationship with kids is the best way to gradually become their support. You need not become your child's best friend. You can be parents and still be your child's safest place to fall to. Laughing hard together and sharing the smallest to most critical life decisions together makes them feel included. The bonding goes from both sides, but parents always have to be the ones initiating things.
Hopefully, this article gives you the answer to how to talk to your teenage son or your growing daughter. Apart from the tips mentioned above for effective communication with teenagers, you may also contact counsellors for professional help. Also, don’t forget to insure the health of your child with Care Family Health Insurance. Care Health Insurance is always eager to assist you in times of medical need, including mental health support. Our Care Supreme plan offers 4 consultations from 14 specified specialists in OPD including psychiatric counselling to help you mitigate this phase. To know more kindly connect with our executives, buy a suitable plan and provide a healthy future to your children.
Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
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