15 Essential Tips for Talking Effectively with Your Teens

 

 In the teenage years, teens face many challenges, for example, they don't like to talk to anybody. They don't try to understand the opinions of their elder and parents. They are developing for their future life, which is a part of their learning. Many parents find it old why their teens do not understand or do not follow them. It's a quite natural process that happens to everyone.

I'll explain how you can effectively talk to your teenager without arguing in this article.

Understanding Teenagers

First of all, we have to understand the teenage mindset. At this age, a boy or a girl lacks ripe experiences and tries to probe into different opinions and perspectives to find what is good for them and their identity. It is a period of great transmission that leads a teenager from childhood to adulthood.

What Are The Characteristics Of Teenagers?

Although every teenager has different circumstances and thinking, here is a list of some characteristics that are common to all teens:

• Emotions are fast and change quickly.
• Desire for independence and autonomy.
• Peer influence is significant.
• Communication can be brief or non-verbal.
• Sensitive to stress and pressure.
• Need validation and acceptance.
• Question about everything due to their curiosity.
• Usually sensitive to criticism or judgment.

Challenges Faced by Teens

As teens grow up, there is an acedemic burden on them in high school and university. They are making decisions in their life like what career they should adopt and what to do in the future years. Sometimes they are forced to choose a specific subject or career in which they don't have much interest. These things lead to a teenager being upset and sad. Such signs show that he is struggling with social, academic, or beliefs/religious standards.

It is important to talk to a teenager without arguing because communication can resolve these issues and improve relationships between teens and adults.

Teens feel that they are being misunderstood and their opinions are not valued. It leads to a situation in which they don't like to speak to others about their decisions plus feelings.

What Are the Common Reasons for Arguments with Teenagers?

Now we'll talk about the key reasons your teenager may argue with you. And that may result in a conflict between the adults and the teens.

1. Differences in Opinions and Beliefs

You should realize that everybody has some opinions and beliefs. Your child doesn't need to have the same mindset as you. It should be understood by both the parents and teens for stronger relationships.

2. Lack of Communication and Understanding

Communication between adults and teens helps them understand each other's viewpoints. A lack of effective communication leads to misunderstandings and not reaching others' perspectives and conclusions.

Read also: An Expert Guide: Get Teenagers to Talk About Their Feelings

3. Power Struggles and Control Issues

It refers to a situation when parents and teens clash over independence, own authority, or decision-making. In the teenage, the child wants to make his choices and practice his or her independence. However, the parents desire to maintain their hold and guide their child (often based on their practical life experiences).

List of To-Dos: 15 Tips

1. Choose a time when you and your child are free and calm.
2. Listen to your child with full attention and let him realize that you value him and his opinions.
3. Don't interrupt in between the conversation. Let him deliver his opinions and take your turn to guide him about what you think is better.
4. Don't judge or criticize them. Just listen calmly and advise them reasonably.
5. Appreciate them even if you don't agree with their stand over certain things.
6. Use "I statement" to make them feel that you are really sincere and concerned about them and their future.
7. Avoid lecturing them. Open the grounds for two-way communication in which they should feel comfortable expressing their feelings.
8. Set clear boundaries. Let them know what you expect from them what they are allowed to do and what not to do.
9. Ask for clarifications over the things you could not pick from their conversation.
10. Practice active listening. Nodding your head or using some words like "yes" can show that you are paying attention to their words.
11. Be a Role model for your child. Through this, you can have your child trust in you. You should have such relations that your child must consider you the first helper and understander in times of difficulty.
12. Don't hesitate to apologize for your mistakes.
13. Respect your teenager's opinions. You can win their trust by respectfully treating them.
14. Appreciate their achievements giving them confidence.
15. Color your conversation by using jokes or fun things. These minor things matter and are great for building major relationships.

Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Deal With a Teenager that Doesn't Care

The Last Say (Conclusion)

In conclusion, building a stronger relationship with your teenager helps them to grow socially and contributes to their mental health. Follow the above-mentioned tips for building a stronger and healthier relationship with your teenager. Give your teens room to make decisions, think, choose, and make learnings for their lives to come. You can consult a professional if you are not getting better in your relationship with your teenager after making all the efforts. Keep in mind that it is not an overnight game.