BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES Parenting Your Teen: Communicating

Creating a comfortable climate Basic rules Don’ts Best Practices Objectives

When – best at night Where In their space In the car Choose the right medium – Learn their language Texting Cell phone Face book Climate

Both need to be there – Parent and teen – don’t have a conversation with a wall. Be open and willing to listen to what they have to say. Be willing to stop and let it go. Agree to disagree. Basic Rules

Don’t yell Don’t curse Don’t us extremes such as: never, must, always & should Don’t judge Don’t disapprove of teen, disapprove of behavior Don’t give them a way out Don’ts

Talk often Talk about everything Talk with respect Be precise “Because I said so!” – is sometimes o.k. Use positive body language Smile - Don’t cross your arms Hug and kiss them Best Practices

Opening the Lines of Communication Spend time together – make time to laugh. Not EVERY minute has to be a learning experience. Don’t criticize your teen – especially not in public or in front of friends. Balance genuine praise and helpful feedback.

BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES Parenting Your Teen: Communicating