How to actively listen to your teen

"We need to talk." Those words make me nervous. I don't know whether it's the faint implication of censure, the possible portent of bad news or just the fear of the unknown, but I get edgy. Kids do, too. When it's said without any added details, the person can only conclude it must be something really dire. And frankly, approaching someone with an ominous opener like that will not engender healthy communication.  Kids shouldn't have to walk on eggshells wondering what they've done wrong now. If they've done something you disapprove of, say so. Don't be cagey. Don't play games. Don't turn it into a drama fest. The only thing you'll accomplish is to alienate your teen.  Be honest and open with your kids and they'll be more likely to return the favor. Here are other parenting tips on talking to teens so everyone feels comfortable. How to actively listen to your teen and talk with empathy 

How to talk and listen to your teen

"We need to talk." Hearing those words makes me nervous. I don't know whether it's the faint implication of censure, the possible portent of bad news or just the fear of the unknown, but I get edgy when someone says that to me. Kids get nervous, too. Here are parenting tips on talking to teens so everyone feels comfortable.  To read the article, click here How to listen to your teen. (Please note: there are several errors in this article and I apologize for that. I'm not sure, but I think they're happening when I transfer the article from WORD to the template I'm using.)

Verbal bullying: 7 kinds of talk that kids shouldn't be subjected to

No parent is perfect, and I'm no exception. I've used inappropriate language and said things I shouldn't around my kids. But that doesn't mean I don't have standards about what I do and don't want my kids to hear. Some kinds of language constitute verbal harassment and bullying. I may not be able to protect my kids from everything, but I can certainly stand up to objectionable things. No matter who is saying these things, be they friend or family, there are certain kinds of talk that I won't subject my kids to. If it comes on television, the set goes off. My kids know that songs that use these words don't come in the house.  7 kinds of talk that kids shouldn't be subjected to 

Communication with Teenagers: Listen More Talk Less

Communicating with Teenagers: Listen More and Talk Less
Parenting teens is like moving in a maze. Navigate one corner, and another crossroad presents itself. Let's try to de-mystify some of the misnomers surrounding teenagers and how to communicate and interact with them.
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