How To Talk To A Reluctant Teen
Talking to teenagers is easy for some , and a challenge for others. Being a parent of a teenager does not guarantee that communication will be easy. How well the conversation goes can depend on what kind of day your teenager has experienced, and what type of communication you’ve had in the past with them.
One thing to remember is that even if their body language says they are not interested in sharing with you, they do want to talk to you, and they want to know that you are interested enough to talk with them.
In order to have those deeper conversations, you will find it easier if you have already built a relationship where regular communication and calm responses and atmospheres are already in place. If they are used to talking with you, know you are approachable, and feel you will process the situation calmly with them, they will be much more willing to bring matters of deeper concern to you.
Remember that in the heat of a situation sometimes a teenager may need awhile to process their emotions and thoughts before they can share with you. Give them space, but let them know you will be here to talk when they are ready. Then make sure you follow up.
People in the world are talking to our teenagers. It is important as parents that we be some of those people. Sometimes our teenagers don’t need us to fix a problem, but they just need us to listen and allow them to share their emotions and frustrations. Then sometimes, there will be those wonderful times when they will allow us to talk with them.
Stacy Ash,
Assistant Director of Youth Ministries / Wesley UMC
