Are you a parent who’s having a difficult time getting your teen to sit down and have a conversation with you? Does your teen avoid your questions? Do you only get a one or two word answer or short comments from your child? Well, you are not a parent who is facing a rare situation. Many parents are searching for methods or strategies to get their child to open up with them. This article will provide you with some ideas to get your teen talking.
Parenting children, especially teens, requires patience and creativity. One way to get your teen taking is to use open-ended statements and questions. For example:
“So, you’re getting a “D” in math and, uh…” “So, tonight you are going to be home at…?” “And the reason you don’t think that teacher is fair is…?
When your teen has what you feel is a good conversation with you, say:
“Thanks for talking. I like talking with you.” “Thanks. I just wanted to know that you are safe.”
It’s okay to pick a feeling word and use it to get your child talking. For example:
“You must be frustrated.” “You look angry.” “You sound happy.” Then listen. Don’t be judgmental or surprised at what you hear.
Say nothing. Tell your child you want to talk. Say absolutely nothing until he or she says something first. Let you child do 80-90% of the talking.
Use a prop. The prop may include a piece of artwork done by your child, grades, a gift, and a list of written chores. Place it in your child’s hands and listen. Respond only after child has had a chance to talk first.
Ask your child for his or her opinion. Ask your child for their advice. Ask your child what they would tell a friend in a situation like that.
Go to a restaurant or a coffee shop with your teen. Spend time talking about “nothing”. Nothing may include things that you normally don’t talk to your teen about, like their favorite TV shows, foods, fears, dreams, hopes, clothes or other neutral, but conversational topics.
Teens February 10th, 2008
Are you a parent who’s having a difficult time getting your teen to sit down and have a conversation with you? Does your teen avoid your questions? Do you only get a one or two word answer or short comments from your child? Well, you are not a parent who is facing a rare situation. Many parents are searching for methods or strategies to get their child to open up with them. This article will provide you with some ideas to get your teen talking.
Parenting children, especially teens, requires patience and creativity. One way to get your teen taking is to use open-ended statements and questions. For example:
“So, you’re getting a “D” in math and, uh…” “So, tonight you are going to be home at…?” “And the reason you don’t think that teacher is fair is…?
When your teen has what you feel is a good conversation with you, say:
“Thanks for talking. I like talking with you.” “Thanks. I just wanted to know that you are safe.”
It’s okay to pick a feeling word and use it to get your child talking. For example:
“You must be frustrated.” “You look angry.” “You sound happy.” Then listen. Don’t be judgmental or surprised at what you hear.
Say nothing. Tell your child you want to talk. Say absolutely nothing until he or she says something first. Let you child do 80-90% of the talking.
Use a prop. The prop may include a piece of artwork done by your child, grades, a gift, and a list of written chores. Place it in your child’s hands and listen. Respond only after child has had a chance to talk first.
Ask your child for his or her opinion. Ask your child for their advice. Ask your child what they would tell a friend in a situation like that.
Go to a restaurant or a coffee shop with your teen. Spend time talking about “nothing”. Nothing may include things that you normally don’t talk to your teen about, like their favorite TV shows, foods, fears, dreams, hopes, clothes or other neutral, but conversational topics.
Are you a parent who’s having a difficult time getting your teen to sit down and have a conversation with you? Does your teen avoid your questions? Do you only get a one or two word answer or short comments from your child? Well, you are not a parent who is facing a rare situation. Many parents are searching for methods or strategies to get their child to open up with them. This article will provide you with some ideas to get your teen talking.
Parenting children, especially teens, requires patience and creativity. One way to get your teen taking is to use open-ended statements and questions. For example:
“So, you’re getting a “D” in math and, uh…” “So, tonight you are going to be home at…?” “And the reason you don’t think that teacher is fair is…?
When your teen has what you feel is a good conversation with you, say:
“Thanks for talking. I like talking with you.” “Thanks. I just wanted to know that you are safe.”
It’s okay to pick a feeling word and use it to get your child talking. For example:
“You must be frustrated.” “You look angry.” “You sound happy.” Then listen. Don’t be judgmental or surprised at what you hear.
Say nothing. Tell your child you want to talk. Say absolutely nothing until he or she says something first. Let you child do 80-90% of the talking.
Use a prop. The prop may include a piece of artwork done by your child, grades, a gift, and a list of written chores. Place it in your child’s hands and listen. Respond only after child has had a chance to talk first.
Ask your child for his or her opinion. Ask your child for their advice. Ask your child what they would tell a friend in a situation like that.
Go to a restaurant or a coffee shop with your teen. Spend time talking about “nothing”. Nothing may include things that you normally don’t talk to your teen about, like their favorite TV shows, foods, fears, dreams, hopes, clothes or other neutral, but conversational topics.
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March 8th, 2008 at 3:29 am
Great website!! Keep up the good work!!