These 5 Simple Tips Can Help You Have A Better Relationship With Your Teenager

Dec 31, 2018 by apost team

Having a good relationship with your kids is not the easiest thing to do. It can be rough being able to relate and communicate effectively if you don't know how to do it right. You try to talk to your teenage son about his behavior either playing too many video games or not doing his homework on time.

So you decide to approach him about it but he just rolls his eyes like usual with his eyes glaring up at the sky tuning you out. After this whole debacle, you end up losing your cool and you're yelling at the top of your lungs trying to get your point across.

Connecting with your kids shouldn't have to be like this. Approaching a situation and asking them something can be a lot smoother than the above description.

This phrase is harmful to use because it sets the tone on a bad start. It instantly alarms their brain that something is wrong, so there's no chance for anything you say to be relaxing to them. Try approaching them or being around them without asking anything yet. For example, hang around them in a non-threatening way. Maybe sit on the couch not far from them when they're in the living room. Sometimes, they may even start the conversation. Use the rare chat windows you have like in the car as you're driving them. Open the conversation and set the tone for an open discussion, and then eventually talk to them about what you want to be fixed.

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As parents, you only want the best for them, but you may find yourself demanding them to do certain things. Saying things like, "You need to study right now instead of watching TV." That phrase isn't heard well by any kid. You can ask something like this instead, "Have you been studying recently?" It's a completely change of pace in conversation. It changes from demanding to simply reminding them what they must do. It shows that you honor their mind to make the right choice.

It's so easy for us to get angry at our kids and not think twice before talking, but just as they should filter what they say and do, it should be the same for you. Let's say your teen explains to you that he or she is worried about the exam and possibly failing, this is your queue to be empathetic and let them know it's gonna be okay. However, some parents may use this time to lash out and yell telling their teen they should've studied more. Your teen doesn't need your disapproval on top of their mind scaring them. Empathizing with your heart and listening to your teen makes it easier to listen to everything.

It's okay to agree to disagree as long as the family knows how to communicate with one another efficiently. It's all about being smart and knowing the art of collaborating to find a common ground together. The "You-I-We" approach is the perfect example of this. "I will listen to YOU and your perspective even if I'm not 100 percent agreeing to it. I will share my perspective even if you as a child do not agree with it. And together, WE will sort this together." It all comes down to how you speak to each other. If you want your child to listen to you, let them speak when it's their turn. Do not put them down or ignore anything they say. It's only fair that both parties speak their mind and share their point of view.

Most parents never like to apologize when they are wrong in a situation. Parents can make mistakes too, and it's important that you recognize it when it happens. Even if it is simply you saying something that you later on regret saying. It's easy to say things we don't mean in angry conversations. Teenagers can be forgiving people if you let them know of your mistake. Be wise with what you say and how you say it, but if you do make mistakes, don't have too much pride that you can't apologize.

Be a parent who knows and understands their kids. If you want to be able to communicate with them better, it's all about being mindful and attentive. It's about focusing on who they are and striving to make them and yourself better. If you feel like your other friends who are also parents can benefit from reading this, don't be afraid to get them in on this info. It can help any parent with the relationship they have with their kids.

What do you think of these tips? How do you usually related to your teen kids? pass these tips to someone with teen kids and you think that they need them. 

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!