Teenagers Can Save You Money, Time and Heartache - The Concluding Step
The first step is to wait for a time when you and your teen are both relaxed. This might take a little time to happen but it is worth the wait. At that time ask them their opinion about something very impersonal. Something about international politics or a new product you saw on-line or in the newspaper is usually a good idea, provided than neither of you have strong opinions about it.
Don't ask "loaded" questions like, "Don't you think....?" or "Don't you agree with me that.....?" This puts her in a tough position and won't help her to be open and say what she really feels.
Give them your full attention when they speak, meaning don't look at the newspaper or at the TV. If the level of communication with them still isn't too good it's not a good idea to look directly at them when they speak (they'll feel intimidated) but be careful not to anything else when they speak.
Respond to what they say with RESPECT and be careful not to be sarcastic or cynical. Never cut them off in mid-sentence and never tell them something to the effect of , "You don't make any sense! You are speaking rubbish!" (Even if you think that they are! Remember they also have good ideas, so it's worth it to ignore their senseless ideas in order that you will eventually gain from their good ones.) If you agree with what they say then praise them and say, "That's a good point." Nothing too "schmaltzy" (this will make them very suspicious) just short and to the point. . If you disagree with them (which there are times that you surely will) say, "Interesting, let me think about that." Or, "I hear where you are coming from. My life's experience tells me otherwise but I hear what you are saying."
If possible, the next time you see them, tell them, "You know I was thinking over what you said last night and I see that you have a strong point." This shows that you value what they said to such a degree that you even spent time to think about it. Another great form of praise is when you quote them to your friends (when your teen isn't meant to be listening) and say, "My son once said....." This shows that you really hold of what they say.
Continue to ask their opinions about impersonal subjects until you feel comfortable to ask them what they feel and until you see that they are comfortable to express their feelings to you. After that you can move on to more personal subjects until eventually you will get to the point that you can ask them their opinions on subjects are important to you and that will really save you money, time and heartache.
Related Tags: parent, teens, father, mother, teenager, save you money
Shevach Pepper is the happy father of twelve children and is a family and life coach helping successful people to utilize their business and leadership skills in their personal life. For more information and helpful tips on family matters visit http://www.greatfamilyman.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Top Riding Toys For 201
Children love the excitement and adventure that can be found by cruising on their own ride on toy. W - Picking the Best Size Bike For Your Child
Bicycling can be a great way for your child to get a little extra exercise. Learning to ride a bike - How to Help Your Kids Through Difficult Events
Even as a child or adolescent we may face challenging times when things seem to be crashing down aro - How to Make Your Home Safe For a Young Child
New parents often spend weeks preparing their home for the arrival of their new baby. While there is - 4 Things to Know Before You Buy a Diaper Bag
Some things to keep in mind before you purchase the diaper bag are the following: material, the cost - Exciting Food Suggestions For Kids
Making kids eat healthy food is a big task every mother goes through. With kids pre-occupied with pl - Add Modern Touches to Your Toddler's Room With Modern Toddler Bedding
Decorating a child's room presents parents with several different challenges simultaneously: Choosin - When Should You Be Concerned About Your Baby's Health?
Your baby's health is one of the most important and delicate things that you have to keep abreast of - Having a Happy and Healthy Baby With the Benefits of Baby Massage
Mothers have known for centuries the benefits of baby massage, the world over. In many Asian countri - Diaper Bags And Their Uses
Parents usually need to take diaper bags along with them if they out on a trip. Especially, if the b
Most viewed articles in this category:
- The Perfect Parent...Who Are We Kidding?
I get the feeling that there are a lot of moms and dads out there that feel they're not measuring up - Partial Breastfeeding - Should I Even Bother?
For some women, feeding a baby with breastmilk alone is not possible. The reasons for this vary. For - Skateboarding In The Eighties To The Present
Skateboarding traces its roots to the seventies but it really reached the peak of its popularity in - How Breastfeeding Benefits A Daddy
You know that breastfeeding is best for mother and child, but what's in it for Dad? Isn't he going t - Child-Appropriate Costumes: Violence, Sexuality, And Insensitivity
So your daughter wants to be Wonder Woman for Hallowe'en, or your son wants to be Batman. They're bo - The Evolution Of Vitamin B5 For Acne
I came across the benefits of Vitamin B5 6 years ago whilst searching for an acne treatment that act - Depression And Teens - Six Signs That Your Child May Be Suffering From Depression
Most people are now aware of the seriousness of depression. This has become much more common and mor - Parenting Teenager - Take Time For Your Teen!
BookWire's "Year in Reviews Magazine," December 2006 issue, lists a review of my book "Help Me With - Why It's Important To Follow A Healthy Diet When Pregnant
Pregnancy is one of the most physically enduring times in our lives, and it is more important than e - Sleep Separation And Your Child
It seems harmless enough, lying down with your child while he goes to sleep, but it could be that sl
