Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

04-19-2023

Have Long Talks in Short Bursts

Teens can be prickly. Your teen may not have much interest having in long talks with you. That doesn’t mean you have to give up talking about the things that really matter. But you may have to develop a new strategy.

You should still talk about issues that concern your teen, such as plans for life after high school. But instead of an hour-long talk, figure on five or six shorter ones.

In the afternoon, your teen might check the mail. “I see you got mail from State,” you’d say. “Are you still thinking about going there?” The two of you might talk for five minutes before your student disappears into another room. Your teen's departure doesn’t have to mean the talk is over. Just think of it as pressing the “pause” button.

After dinner, pick up where you left off. It probably won’t be long before your teen clams up. Consider it another pause. Over time, you’ll get in a long talk. It will just come in short bursts.

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Gwinnett County Public Schools