If you have not read Part 1 of this blog post, you can go here.
Following up with Part 1 of this topic, we would like to share more effective strategies that you, whether you are a parent or teenager, can use in your daily lives to improve communication between parent and child.
Effective Strategies for Parents:
Use humor: Use humor to lighten the mood and make communication more comfortable. This can be especially helpful when discussing sensitive or difficult topics.
Show empathy: Try to put yourself in your teenager’s shoes and understand how they are feeling. This will help you better connect with them and show them that you care.
Avoid criticism: Instead of criticizing your teenager, try to focus on positive reinforcement and praise. This will help build their confidence and self-esteem.
Use technology: Use technology to your advantage by sending your teenager a text message or email to check in with them or let them know you are thinking of them.
Seek professional help: If you are having difficulty communicating with your teenager, consider seeking the help of a professional, such as a therapist or counselor. They can help you improve your communication skills and build a stronger relationship with your teenager.
Effective Strategies for Teenagers:
Avoid blame and criticism: Instead of blaming or criticizing your parents, try to focus on expressing how their actions made you feel. This will help avoid defensiveness and create a more productive conversation.
Use “I” statements: Use “I” statements to express your thoughts and feelings, such as “I feel upset when…” or “I am concerned about…”. This will help you take ownership of your thoughts and feelings and avoid sounding accusatory.
Compromise: Try to find a middle ground that works for both you and your parents. This will help build trust and show that you are willing to work together to find a solution.
Show appreciation: Express your appreciation for your parent’s support and efforts to communicate with you. Consider writing them a note of appreciation or buying them a cup of coffee at the coffee shop or food court! This will help build a positive relationship and make communication easier in the future.
Seek help if needed: If you are struggling to communicate with your parent, consider seeking the help of a trusted adult, such as a teacher, counselor, or family member, to mediate or provide guidance.
We hope that as parent-child communication improves, the home becomes a welcoming and conducive place for teenagers to study and rest!
