Improving Communication with Your Teen

When in doubt, remember–Listening is more important than talking. Being an active listener demonstrates respect for your child and their deeper feelings, concerns and hurts, which they may have trouble communicating if you are doing all the talking. This includes trying to “fix” their upset feelings. Like all of us, teens need the experience of communicating their emotions, while also owning them and working out how to resolve or respond to situations. If you want to help, but aren’t sure what to do, ask simply “Is there anything I can do for you that you would find helpful?” If they say no, leave it at that. You are leaving the door open for them to come back later and ask for what they need when they are ready.

Parenting tip by Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs’ Adolescent & Family Therapist Jeffery Peyton, MA, CADC.