- Be available
for your children
- Notice times
when your kids are most likely to talk — for example, at bedtime, before
dinner, in the car — and be available. Start the conversation; it lets your
kids know you care about what's happening in their lives.
- Let your
kids know you're listening
- When your
children are talking about concerns, stop whatever you are doing and listen.
- Respond in a
way your children will hear
- Soften
strong reactions; kids will tune you out if you appear angry or defensive.
Express your opinion without putting down theirs; acknowledge that it's okay to
disagree.
Remember:
- Ask your
children what they may want or need from you in a conversation, such as advice,
simply listening, help in dealing with feelings or help solving a problem.
- Parenting is
hard work.
- Listening
and talking is the key to a healthy connection between you and your children.
But parenting is hard work and maintaining a good connection with teens can be
challenging, especially since parents are dealing with many other pressures. If
you are having problems over an extended period of time, you might want to
consider consulting with a mental health professional to find out how they can
help.
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