Is Tesla being steered in the wrong direction?
Teenage years can be tough. Beside all the hormonal changes, teenagers can often be put under an enormous amount of pressure to succeed at school, and to have a very clear idea of what they want to do next. Sometimes, this can all be rather overwhelming.
Take a look through the following gallery to find out the best ways to get your teenager to open up.
Letting your teenager get to know a bit about your history allows them to view you as an interesting person with a past, rather than just as a parental figure.
Make sure that your teenager is aware that no subject is off-limits, without making them feel uncomfortable or pressurized.
Not only will your teenager be learning valuable skills for when they leave home, it's a great opportunity to spend time together.
It is simply unadvisable to use the same methods of discipline on a teenager as you would with a small child. Be more diplomatic about it.
Sooner rather than later, your teenager will realize that life is hard, and at times unfair. Don't sugarcoat the truth when talking to them.
Sometimes it's easier to express yourself through the written word. Why not try journaling back and forth with your teenager?
Even if your teenager's interests are not to your taste, it's crucial that you take an active and encouraging interest.
Whether it's a game on their cell phone, or something fun and interesting they've learnt and want to share with you, let your teenager teach you a thing or two.
Forcing conversation can often be counterproductive. Sometimes it's nicer and calmer to share silence with your teenager.
By discussing your own concerns with your teenager, this can also encourage them to be more open with you about their issues.
This essentially means talking to them as a peer rather than a parent. Catch them off guard, and see how they react!
Sometimes, repeated use of the word "why" is indicative of a judgmental attitude. Try to keep as open a mind as possible.
Making the effort to be active with your teenager will be great for both your relationship and your general health!
If your teenager is most comfortable in their own bedroom, make an effort to stop by regularly to check in on them.
Asking your teenager to help you with a task, such as washing the car, is a good way to form a connection and have a decent conversation.
Taking an interest in your teenager's friends shows that you care, and that you have some sense of what's going on in their life.
If your teen confides in you, and you react with anger or frustration, they are far less likely to do so again in the future.
Teenagers can be unnecessarily irritable and resistant, unquestionably. So, don't encourage this behavior by being patronizing.
If you are continuously given one-word answers, don't give up on trying to get through to your teenager. Eventually, you will!
Allowing your teenager to see that you are also a flawed character will be very helpful in getting them to relate to you in a more mature way.
Parenting doesn't always need to be extremely serious! Put aside some time to have some fun with your teenager.
Let your teenager understand that they are not alone, and that you will be there for them, no matter what they are going through.
Let your teenager know that you are able to help them with anything that they need (within reason). Reassure them.
Letting your teenager know that you respect them and are open with them will allow their confidence and trust in you to grow.
Being a teenager can be tough, but they are easily pleased. If you can afford it, buy them something nice here and there.
It's always nice to set aside time to have dinner as a family. But don't overdo it. The more relaxed the atmosphere, the more likely your teenager is to be open.
Don't always be second-guessing and double-crossing your teen. Try to accept what they tell you without interrogating them.
If your teenager has a strong desire to talk to you about something, they will. Let them come to you, at least sometimes.
Always praise your teenager when they have achieved something. Let them know that they have your full support.
You can't expect your teenager to have the exact same value system as you, but you can be sincere with them about your cares, concerns, and hopes for them.
See also: 54 ways to maintain a strong marriage
The best ways to get your teenager to open up
They won't be a child much longer!
LIFESTYLE Family
Teenage years can be tough. Beside all the hormonal changes, teenagers can often be put under an enormous amount of pressure to succeed at school, and to have a very clear idea of what they want to do next. Sometimes, this can all be rather overwhelming.
Take a look through the following gallery to find out the best ways to get your teenager to open up.