6 Tips for Communicating with Your Teen:

Effective communication can be essential in supporting your teen through the ups and downs of life. Below, we explore six ways to strengthen your family’s conversations, resolve disagreements constructively, and build a stronger bond through quality time together.

1. Be Approachable

Communicating with your teen can be challenging for various reasons. There might be a lack of communication skills, your teen might not feel comfortable talking just yet, the nature of the conversation might feel too hard, or perhaps they feel you don't have the time or are not in the right headspace to talk.

So, reassuring them that you're always available for a conversation can be helpful. Even if they initially reject your invitations to talk, it's important to persist in showing that you’re available.

There are other ways to demonstrate that you are there for them, such as encouraging their interests and sharing your own experiences when you do have a conversation. These can help build trust and make your teen feel more comfortable coming to you should they need support.

2. Set Aside Talking Time

Setting aside time to talk with your teen doesn't have to be as rigid as it might sound, and it certainly doesn't mean that your teen can't come to you at any time to discuss something they're struggling with. However, as a parent, it can be beneficial to carve out some time in your schedule when you have no distractions. This dedicated time can be an opportunity for open discussion, without any pressure to talk.

Knowing you have set aside this time allows you to be fully present and ready to listen. If the time isn't used for talking, it can become some much-needed (and rare!) spare time for you to potentially relax and unwind.

3. Stay Calm

Hearing that your child is struggling can be extremely tough, but it's crucial not to let your immediate reaction, whether it's anger, shock, disappointment, or guilt, deter you from the conversation. Try to remain calm and avoid panicking. Your child has shared what's troubling them, and the next step is to get the necessary support, be it further communication between you both or seeking professional help. Please refer to our signpost for mental health resources for teens at the bottom of this article, if necessary.

4. Respect Opinions

It’s unlikely that you and your teen will agree on everything. However, this doesn't mean you can't respect each other's viewpoints, and doing so can be incredibly important for maintaining a healthy relationship. Listening is key here; by genuinely hearing what your teen has to say, you show that you value their perspective, even if you don't always agree.

is a natural part of any relationship, and it doesn't have to create a barrier between you and your teen. Instead, it can be an opportunity to model respectful disagreement and open-mindedness. Encourage open dialogue and let your teen know that their opinions matter. Remember, the goal is not necessarily to always see eye to eye but to create an environment where both of you feel heard and respected.

5. Use Tech

Embrace the use of tech to find what works for your family. With busy schedules filled with work, school, caring for parents, extracurricular activities, and everything else life can throw at you, it can feel like there's never enough time for a proper conversation. Instead of seeing this as a barrier, why not use text messages, social media, and video calls to stay connected when you can't be together in person? Your teen might even feel more comfortable communicating this way if they're not ready for face-to-face talks yet.

6. Be Flexible

Different types of communication work for different people. Your teen might be more comfortable with verbal communication, or they might prefer writing things down to express themselves. Be open to exploring different methods and finding what works best for them. This may even change over time, so staying adaptable is key.

With patience and a willingness to try different approaches, you can find the best way to communicate effectively. This flexibility can help to pave the way for better communication and a stronger relationship going forward.

Mental Health Resources for Teens and Parents

• NHS Every Mind Matters - mental health support
• The Samaritans provide a free 24-hours a day, 7 days a week support service on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
• Mind - the mental health charity
• Young Minds - mental health support for young people
• The Ollie Foundation - suicide awareness and support
• Papyrus - a service for young people who are thinking about suicide, or those with concerns about others. Support line: 0800 068 41 41