Effective Communication Strategies with Teenagers

Teenagers sometimes march to the beat of a different drum. However, their behaviour may change positively if we change our communication strategies. Let’s discover some tips that can help us bridge the gap! Are you in?

Active Listening

Give your teenager space, respect their views and listen actively instead of asking direct questions. This helps them feel heard and understood, encouraging them to share more.

Calmness

When your teenager is rude, avoid reacting the same way. Count to ten before responding, and if you’re both too angry, take a break until you calm down.

Staying calm is important not just during rudeness but also when your teenager shares their worries. A calm reaction creates a safe space, while overreacting can increase their anxiety and make them less likely to talk again.

Body Language

Making eye contact, nodding, or smiling can show you’re listening. Use your body language to show your interest. Even without words, you can let them know their thoughts are important to you.

Praise

Even if teenagers might act like they don’t care about your opinion, they actually want you to be proud of them. You can encourage them to keep up the good behaviour by saying something positive.

Search for their good qualities and focus on them. Remind yourself of these qualities when you feel angry with their actions.

Empathy

Talking to your teenager with empathy, like saying “I know this feels unfair,” shows you care about their feelings and understand them.

Judgement

Viewing your teenager’s actions as “stupid” or “wrong” stops them from opening up. Avoid judgement and blame. Instead, focus on what they have learned from their mistakes.

Rules and Threats

You like creating rules, don’t you? It’s fine, but be prepared to explain them. When teenagers know the reason behind a rule, they are more likely to accept it.

Have you ever thought of breaking your own rules? If this crosses your mind again, remember that little eyes are watching. They might think that they can break the rules, too.

When it comes to threats, be careful! You need to avoid them because they can damage the relationship. Try to give your teenager choices whenever you can.

Laughter

Communication goes beyond discussing problems. It’s also important to share funny moments. Laughing together can make you both feel happy and improve your relationship!