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Discuss your own childhood -

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.

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Be open -

Make sure that your teenager is aware that no subject is off-limits, without making them feel uncomfortable or pressurized.

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Cook together -

Not only will your teenager be learning valuable skills for when they leave home, it's a great opportunity to spend time together.

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Manage discipline differently -

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.

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Don't sugarcoat -

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.

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Journal -

Sometimes it's easier to express yourself through the written word. Why not try journaling back and forth with your teenager?

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Be interested -

Even if your teenager's interests are not to your taste, it's crucial that you take an active and encouraging interest.

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Let them teach you -

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.

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Be quiet in the car -

Forcing conversation can often be counterproductive. Sometimes it's nicer and calmer to share silence with your teenager.

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Discuss concerns -

By discussing your own concerns with your teenager, this can also encourage them to be more open with you about their issues.

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Ask unexpected questions -

This essentially means talking to them as a peer rather than a parent. Catch them off guard, and see how they react!

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Avoid asking why -

Sometimes, repeated use of the word "why" is indicative of a judgmental attitude. Try to keep as open a mind as possible.

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Exercise together -

Making the effort to be active with your teenager will be great for both your relationship and your general health!

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Engage -

If your teenager is most comfortable in their own bedroom, make an effort to stop by regularly to check in on them.

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Ask for help -

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.

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Ask about their friends -

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.

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Keep your anger in check -

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.

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Don't always be in teacher mode -

Teenagers can be unnecessarily irritable and resistant, unquestionably. So, don't encourage this behavior by being patronizing.

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Be persistent -

If you are continuously given one-word answers, don't give up on trying to get through to your teenager. Eventually, you will!

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Admit your mistakes -

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.

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Do something fun together -

Parenting doesn't always need to be extremely serious! Put aside some time to have some fun with your teenager.

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Be understanding -

Let your teenager understand that they are not alone, and that you will be there for them, no matter what they are going through.

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Be available -

Let your teenager know that you are able to help them with anything that they need (within reason). Reassure them.

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Earn their trust -

Letting your teenager know that you respect them and are open with them will allow their confidence and trust in you to grow.

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Indulge them occasionally -

Being a teenager can be tough, but they are easily pleased. If you can afford it, buy them something nice here and there.

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Don't be too formal -

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.

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Don't play detective -

Don't always be second-guessing and double-crossing your teen. Try to accept what they tell you without interrogating them.

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Let them lead -

If your teenager has a strong desire to talk to you about something, they will. Let them come to you, at least sometimes.

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Be supportive -

Always praise your teenager when they have achieved something. Let them know that they have your full support.

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Be sincere -

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

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