I’ve been coaching people to be their best for over twenty years and love seeing them thrive as they adjust the lens they’re looking through. As a mom of teengaers, I realized that I could use my talent to help moms feel less frustrated, isolated and defeated as their kids navigate the challenging teen years. Helping my clients improve their relationship with themselves and honor their needs is my superpower. You’ll love how your energy shifts and your interactions become more positive after working together! I’m excited for you to experience more peace and confidence and live the life you’re meant to live.
When you child was little and wanted all of your attention, you probably never thought you’d be asking How to get your teenager to talk to you? Am I right? But, it’s a question that moms often find puzzling and challenging. As a coach for moms navigating life with teenagers, I’ve seen many highs and lows. We know our kids need us now more than ever, but we don’t know what exactly what they need or how they need to receive it.
The teenage years are a bit like a maze filled with emotions, hormones, and changing identities. Yet, understanding your teenager’s needs are the key to building a stronger connection. Today, we’ll chat about methods to open up communication so that your teen is more likely to share and you are less in the dark what they need. We’ll start with some simple strategies – some obvious and some maybe counter-intuitive – on how to get your teenager to talk to you.
You know what I’m talking about. They come home with their friends, laughing and chatting up a storm. As soon as they come into the kitchen by themselves to get snacks and you ask one simple, caring question, you get a one word answer and then they rush out of the room. It’s like your teen hates you (they don’t, I promise).
The right timing matters for good communication. Pick moments when your teenager is relaxed and open. Don’t bombard them with questions the moment they walk in and give them space when they’re with their friends. Instead, find natural times, like during a shared activity or a quiet evening at home. This helps them see you as supportive, not someone interrogating them.
Imagine your teenager’s mind as a treasure chest full of thoughts, dreams, and worries. They are trying to figure out who they are, who they can trust and who they want to be. They’re often conflicted and confused about what they need so start by making a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. Studies show that teens are more likely to open up when they feel safe and not judged. You hate being judged, so give them that grace, as well. Make an environment where they feel heard, valued, and free from criticism.
Teens often feel misunderstood, making communication tricky. Use active listening tricks to bridge this gap. When wondering how to talk to your teenage son or daughter, give them your full attention. Look them in the eyes, nod in understanding, and reply thoughtfully. This shows you’re genuinely interested, encouraging them to share more openly.
If you’re a parent of more than one child, you know that they can be surprisingly different even though they’ve grown up in the same household. I’m going to address this as boys vs. girls, but feel free to apply the solutions based on your kids particular situation, regardless of gender. They key is get your teenager to talk so whatever that looks like for you.
To understand how to talk to your teenage son, recognize their growing independence and identity. They are growing into a man but don’t feel equipped just yet and aren’t sure how to respond to that.
Now, let’s dive into connecting with teenage daughters. They often feel that no one understands them so they best approach is to focus on building trust, empathy, and understanding.
Understanding what your teenager needs can be like navigating a maze. So, How do you get your teenager to talk to you? By creating a safe space, using active listening, not forcing the conversation and considering the unique dynamics of your child. Remember, this is all part of them growing into the beautiful human you have been raising them to be. While frustrating at times, embrace the challenge of communicating with your teen, for within its twists and turns lies the key to building lasting bonds that you will both treasure forever.
If you want to read everything I’ve learned from high achieving women and ensure you are showing up to the conversations the way you want, download my Free Guide here.
I’ve been coaching people to be their best for over twenty years and love seeing them thrive as they adjust the lens they’re looking through. As a mom of teengaers, I realized that I could use my talent to help moms feel less frustrated, isolated and defeated as their kids navigate the challenging teen years. Helping my clients improve their relationship with themselves and honor their needs is my superpower. You’ll love how your energy shifts and your interactions become more positive after working together! I’m excited for you to experience more peace and confidence and live the life you’re meant to live.