Clashing Viewpoints

#2051

When your teen spits out some contentious remark about legalizing marijuana or abortion rights … how should you respond?

Hi, I’m Mark Gregston … with Parenting Today’s Teens.

You might feel concerned about your child’s thinking now. But you do have the power to influence it. Here are some principles I think will help:

Take your child out once a week to help establish a good point of communication.

Ask open-ended questions that challenge them to think for themselves.

Always treat them with respect.

And don’t share your own opinion unless they ask for it.

Sure, these are sometimes easier said than done. But with time and patience, you can build a meaningful relationship with your teen that affirms you still—and will always—love him … even if you disagree.