PARENT/CHILD COMMUNICATION
Parent/Child
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Communication
up on time when you have someplace to go,
know when to back off because you need
some space, and don’t try to act like people
they’re not. So you respect who they are,
care about them and like to be around them.
How to Talk So Your Parents
Will Listen
Children and Teenagers:
Do you sometimes feel like your parents
don’t understand you? Do they sometimes
seem uninterested in the things that are
meaningful to you? When they ask you questions, does it feel like you’re on trial? Does
it seem like they find fault with everything
you do?
Before you write them off, consider this:
Talking with your parents isn’t really very
different from talking with your friends.
Think about it. The friends you like the
most probably are honest with you, show
Parents and teenagers can have the same
kind of relationship. If there seems to be a
breakdown in communication with your parents, try these suggestions:
• Say what you mean, and be specific.
Don’t say, “I hate French. The teacher’s
a jerk, and everyone is flunking,” if
what you’re really trying to say is, “I
know this will upset you, but I got my
French grade today, and it’s terrible.”
• Try not to be defensive. If your mom
asks what time you’ll be home, don’t
assume she thinks you’re sneaking
around or doing drugs. She is probably
concerned about your well-being, and
knowing you’ll be home at a certain
time eases her worry when you’re not
at home.
can’t talk to you at that moment, it
doesn’t mean they’re not interested.
Ask them to suggest a time that’s
better for both of you.
• Introduce your parents to things you
enjoy. For example, if there’s a new
group whose music you like, ask them if
they want to hear it. Tell them why you
think it’s great. It will be a refreshing
change for your parents to learn from
you.
• Give a copy of this to your parents. It
might help them to see things more the
way you do.
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• The same theory applies to your dad.
If he asks you who’s driving you to the
concert, don’t assume he thinks all
your friends are irresponsible and so
are you. Knowing where you’ll be and
who you’re with makes it easier for him
to give you more freedom.
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• Give your parents a chance to think
things over. It isn’t fair to ask for
something you want if you need an
answer immediately. Allowing extra
time also shows your parents that you
think the issue is important enough to
deserve attention from them.
• Don’t put your parents in the position
of guessing what is important to you.
Tell them and make sure you think
things over first. If everything you bring
up seems crucial, your parents will be
confused about your priorities.
• Try to pick a time to talk that is good
for you and for your parents. If they
| Idaho Spring/Summer 2014 | abusemagazine.org
Parents:
Does it seem that your kids and you have
nothing in common? Do you have more conflict than cooperation? Is every question
treated like an invasion of privacy? Do you
feel they don’t appreciate or respect you?
Before you despair, consider this: It’s
normal for teenagers to feel rebellious or to
intensify situations beyond what seems reasonable to you.
These years are difficult for your child
because they leave behind the ease and
security of childhood to explore the freedoms of adulthood. They won’t always know
Source: http://www.bradleyhospital.org/doc/Page.asp?PageID=DOC020067