Communicating With Your Teen
When you have teenagers in your family, things can be quite quiet for a while. It can be frustrating to have silence follow a question you ask, or a statement you make. When teens go through their silent days, and they may be many, be patient, and pray for them.
Silence can mean many things, and eventually they will talk.
Being available to them, whenever that time comes, will make the difference as to how much they talk, what kind of talk (thier heart or their mind, or both), and how long they they will talk.
If our teenagers know we are not going to condemn them for the things they may want to talk about, they are more likely to open up. If they know we have unconditional love for them, they are more apt to be honest.
Developing a relationship with them that enables us to have true fellowship with them should begin when they are born- but if that has not been the case, begin now.
Relationship with someone means that you both take part in the communication. You both respect each other. You both are honest, and kind. It takes two to make a relationship work.
Respect and honor the opinions of your teens as you would a friend’s.
Listen well. This means be quiet, and let them talk. Don’t lecture- that is one area us parents have a hard time with. We see a problem and we want to fix it. DON”T!
Let them express themselves, and if you feel the need to offer advice, ask them if they want to hear it.
If they say yes, be gentle, and not bossy. If they say no, tell them you will pray for them to have wisdom.
For more information on talking to teens, see Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff, and read my article Talking To Your Teen.
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