Learning specific communication tools can make talking with your teen about tough topics easier.
In this blog post series, I’ll help you gain greater expertise and confidence during these “tough topic talks” so your teen will be responsive, and you will have fruitful conversations together.
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The 7 steps to Creating Successful Discussions With Your Teen & Young Adult.
Step 1: Build Bridges of Respect as an Ally, not an Adversary.
In this step, you will learn to create trust with your teen, and that to do so requires an open mind.
Your teen needs to feel that you will listen without judgment or criticism and instead embrace their thoughts and beliefs respectfully so they will be more likely to discuss difficult topics with you.
Step 2: Who’s the Boss? Assigning Responsibility for Your Teen’s Actions.
The second step has you learning whose responsibility it is to solve a challenge.
Is it yours, yours and your teens together, or does you teen have total responsibility?
Understanding your parenting role and stating it clearly is a big step towards effective communication with your teen.
Step 3: It Takes Two – Your Part in the Power Struggles.
In this step, you will learn how to create positive influence with your teen by eliminating power struggles.
These positive tools will build a solid foundation of respect and trust in your relationship.
Step 4: Avoid the 10 Communication Blocks Between You and Your Teen.
Discover why your attempts at talking about tough topics can cause your teen to lash out with anger or refuse to talk to you.
Hint: It’s probably not all them!
Step 5: Learn the Magic Words that Make Teens Want to Share.
In this step, you will learn how to respond when your teen is vulnerable with you so the conversation will continue.
But be sure to practice step 4 first, as it is vital to first stop language that breaks connection as you begin language that builds connection.
Step 6: The Supportive Parent Wins: When to talk and when to listen.
In this step, you will learn how to provide a safe space for your teen’s self-reflection, so they learn how to believe in themselves and develop into resilient adults.
Step 7: How am I doing? Ask Your Teen for Feedback.
Putting it all together, you will now be able to utilize the skills you have learned from steps one through six.
While also learning the final step of asking your teen for feedback on your actions so they feel valued and you can change, which will create a strong bond of trust that will last a lifetime.
You’ll be building a solid bridge of understanding as you study and practice these 7 steps that will create positive communication with your teen now, and in the future.
You can find more information about these skills through signing up for my newsletter or purchasing my book Ally Parenting on Amazon or Audible. Com.
Keep watching for future blog posts in this series: How to Talk to Teens About Tough Topics.
If you would like to have your current challenge evaluated, please contact me for a complementary 45-minute Bridges 2 Clarity video chat session. Click the link to access my calendar and find a time that works for you.
I look forward to being your guide as you learn how to talk with teens about tough topics.
Cynthia Klein
copyright 2019
