How To Connect With Your Teen And Be There For Them

How To Connect With Your Teen And Be There For Them

Therapy

Being a teen is far from easy. Everything from homework to dating to wanting to fit in can be a lot. 

Sometimes when we’re overwhelmed or going through something, we can take it out on the people we love the most. 

As a parent of course you want to be there for your teen and calm them down when they are upset. However, sometimes it can be tough to know where to begin or what to say. These tips can help you get started.

Stay Calm

Almost everything is more difficult when you’re stressed. It’s much harder to think rationally and get our words. Here’s an example. Let’s say your teen got into a disagreement with their best friend and they fear things will never be the same.

Yes, that thought may not be realistic, but in their eyes, it can feel very real. 

The next time your teen comes to you stressed or upset about something, the first thing you’ll want to do is help them calm down. Sit down with them somewhere quiet and encourage them to focus on their breathing.

Once they have calmed down, the two of you can start talking about what happened and look at the facts. 

Talk Less And Listen More

Even though you may not agree with what your teen is telling you, sometimes the best thing you can do is just listen and be there.

We all make mistakes – that’s how we learn. Of course, you want your teen to succeed and move past obstacles. But some things can’t be learned through conversation. 

Some things have to be learned firsthand through trial and error.

Even though you may be tempted to interrupt your teen mid-conversation and give them your input, you have to let them express themselves in their own words.

Saying your feelings out loud is not the same thing as thinking about them. 

Simply having the conversation with you can help them look at the situation in a new way. 

Be There

Even if there is nothing you can do to change the situation, you can still be there for them. Remind them that you will always be there and love them no matter what.