How To Talk To Your Child at 12-18 years of age

The teenage years have a lot in common with the terrible twos. During both stages, our kids are doing exciting new things, but they’re also pushing boundaries and throwing tantrums. The major developmental task facing both age groups is also the same: kids must pull away from parents and begin to assert their own independence. No wonder they sometimes act as if they think they’re the center of the universe.
This means that having a healthy and trusting parent-child relationship during the teenage years is more important than ever. Staying close isn’t easy, though. Teens often aren’t very gracious when they are rejecting what they perceive to be parental interference. While they’re an open book to their friends, who they talk to constantly via text messages and social media, they might become mute when asked by mom how their day went.
If this sounds familiar, take a deep breath and remind yourself that your child is going through his terrible teens. It is a phase that will pass, and your job as a parent is still vitally important, only the role may have changed slightly. Here are some tips for navigating the new terrain:

1. Listen.
2. Validate their feelings.
3. Show trust.
4. Don’t be a dictator.
5. Give praise.
6. Control your emotions.
7. Do things together.
8. Share regular meals.
9. Be observant.