Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

06-07-2021

Is Your Listening Style Keeping Your Teen From Talking?

Adolescents often complain, “My parents never listen to me! They just talk!”

When teens truly believe their parents don't listen, they stop talking to their parents. “Why bother?” they think. Communication breaks down. And trouble, in school and out, can follow.

To listen effectively to your teen, avoid these common traps. Don’t be a:

Mind reader. Instead of listening, these parents are wondering, “What is my teen really thinking or feeling?”
Rehearser. These parents are focused on what they are going to say next, rather than on what their teen is saying.
Filterer. These parents hear only what they want to hear and ignore the rest.
Dreamer. These parents often drift off and think about something else while their teen is talking. Then they find themselves saying, “What did you say? Could you repeat that?”
Identifier. These parents are so busy relating everything their teen says to their own experience, they miss much of what’s said.
Comparer. These parents are so focused on assessing their teen, that they miss the message.
Derailer. These parents are too quick to change the subject. They don't seem interested in what their teen wants to talk about.
Discounter. These parents hear what’s said, but belittle it. “Oh, that’s not so bad.”
Placater. These parents agree just to be nice or avoid conflict. This isn’t real communication.

Brought to you by:

Nye County Schools
Pahrump, NV

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