ABUSE MAGAZINE
Photo Source : 8tracks . com
how to talk with you , but they need you to listen .
Teenagers make mistakes simply because they lack experience . It ’ s like starting a new job . You don ’ t know exactly how things are done at the new place , the work itself may be tougher and unfamiliar to you , and you ’ re unsure whether you ’ ll live up to expectations .
Photo Source : www . phununet . com
If there seems to be a breakdown in communication with your teenager , try these ideas :
• Make time for talking . Establish a point in your day when your child knows you are available .
• Try to relate to your child ’ s perspective . For example , “ Nothing ’ s bothering me ” can really mean , “ I want to try and handle this on my own .” “ I hate you ” might simply mean “ I ’ m angry .” As an adult , you have more responsibility to make communication work .
• Don ’ t piggyback complaints when you ’ re upset or angry . If your son is late getting home , don ’ t criticize the friends he hangs out with . It ’ s easier to deal with one issue at a time .
• Don ’ t make rules that you won ’ t enforce or threats that you won ’ t keep .
It damages your credibility and can encourage your child to test your limits .
• Try not to be judgmental , defensive , accusing or negative when your child is trying either to tell you something or to answer a question . Don ’ t interrupt , correct grammar or do two things at once . These are all signals that you aren ’ t really interested .
• Show concern for your child ’ s feelings . This can go a long way toward earning trust .
• Pay attention to behaviors as well as words . Sometimes the words sound okay , but something else doesn ’ t seem right . Trust your instinct . It might take extra effort to draw your child out .
• Try not to say things you don ’ t really mean , even in the heat of an argument . You can ’ t take words back .
• Try to balance your concern with faith in your child . The years you invested in your relationship haven ’ t been lost on them .
• Give a copy of this to your child . It might help your child see things a little more the way you do . Communication between children and their parents is often difficult . Fortunately , Bradley Hospital has the staff and resources to help . We have individual , group and family therapy designed to improve communication within the family .
A certain amount of difficulty in keeping communication lines open between parents and children is normal .
WHIPPLE ’ S FEED
208-476-4412
Proud to be a drug free workplace and supporter !
whipplesfeed . com
Valley Motor Parts
208-476-5503
We are proud to be a drug free workplace .
We support an ABUSE FREE Idaho !
304 College Avenue • Orofino , ID
STATE HOSPITAL NORTH
We proudly support preventative education for our youth !
( 208 ) 476-4511 300 Hospital Drive • Orofino , ID
abusemagazine . org | Idaho Spring / Summer 2014 | 17