Today's Tip for Families

02-15-2022

Avoid Conversation-Killers When Talking With Your Teen

Keeping the parent-child lines of communication open is an important way to support your teen's efforts in school. The next time you and your teen are having an important conversation, listen to yourself. Try to avoid the following "conversation killers":

• Getting angry. Ask for a break in the conversation to let yourself calm down.
• Put-downs, such as "you don't know what you're talking about."
• Giving commands without explaining why.
• Giving speeches. Don't talk for more than 30 seconds without giving your teen a chance to speak.
• Compliments that aren't really compliments. "You'd be great if only ... ."

If you're guilty of any of these, apologize to your teen. Then steer clear of these pitfalls in the future to keep your conversations flowing.

Brought to you by:

Webster County Schools

[School Success Ideas for Families]

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