Page 16 - Parenting Pamphlets
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Time Out! Connecting with Teens Listening and talking are the most important things you can
Parents and teens often have a hard time talking to each do to create a good connection between you and your kids. A Parenting
healthy family life means you talk to your kids and interact
other. They each see things from a different point of view. with them every day, about all kinds of things. It also means No. 4
Don’t take it personally. All kids act out Teens are trying to figure out who they are and want to you can put aside your own problems and give them your
and say things – “I hate you,” “you’re be more independent. Here are some suggestions for support.
mean,” “I can’t stand you!” Stand your connecting, even when you or your teen may not want to. Most school-age kids and teens will tell you that there are
ground and don’t get mad about it. Be involved– show interest in their activities and things they just can’t talk about with their parents. Why? Because they think
friends. Know what’s going on at school and after
If you’ve said something to your child school. their parent’s won’t listen, won’t understand them, or will over-react to what they say.
you regret, admit your’re wrong and You can build strong relationships by:
apologize. Kids will learn from your Be open and honest—Take time to talk and listen. Building Trust - You build trust by listening to what your kids say. Being honest with
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Tell them how you feel about things and make time to
example, and they like to see parents in listen. your kids so they believe what you say. Start talking with your children about tough
the wrong once in a while. Respect his or her privacy. topics at an early age, and they will
feel comfortable coming to you with
concerns when they are older. Be
For Evaluation Only
Trust them to make some of their own decisions.
be sure to follow through on any
Try This at Home... Offer opinions and help without lectures or Reality Check... supportive of what they need and
judgements–You may not agree with their choices,
Make a new family tradition. Traditions but you can give help and advice. 8 Show your child respect by paying promises you make.
are activities you routinely do as a Give them your full attention— It’s easy to sit and attention and listening to what they Making the Most of Your Time - Connecting with Kids Talking and
Take time to really connect with
family. It can be something as simple half-listen to someone have to say. your kids. If you spend 20 minutes
as going out for ice cream after a as you are making 8 You are the role model for your in the car with them a day, turn off
school event, making a special meal dinner or watching TV. child, he or she will repeat your your phone, turn off the radio, and
one night a week, having a game night, Push the pause button actions, emotions, and ways of talk with them instead. Ask their
or taking your child on a special date on the remote and really communicating and think they are opinions, talk to them about what
listen.
on the first Saturday of the month. The normal. you’re doing and what they are
point is to spend special time with your Give them space— doing. Be there for them when they
kids, building trust, doing things as a Sometimes your kids 8 Positive words and actions build are looking for advice and want to
just don’t want to talk,
family, and making memories. and that’s OK. trust, angry words and hurtful talk.
actions create fear and resentment.
Commit to spending time together
8 If you’ve said something you regret with regular family dinners, game
Disclaimer: to your child, apologize. Admit your night, trips to the zoo, or the park.
©2021 Learnovation , LLC Learnovation®, LLC’s mission is to empower people to improve mistakes and kids will show you Controlling Your Own Emotions -
®
All Rights Reserved. their own parenting skills. This information is intended to serve more respect. When the topic is tense, we tend to
www.learnovation.com as a general guide of parenting principles and strategies. It is not over-react. Be willing to talk about
intended to address individual parenting issues, nor should it be 8 Spend time doing things together anything and everything. Stop,
taken as legal, personal, or other advice. as a family.
breathe, and listen.
