I’m a big fan of listening!  A huge fan.  I find myself constantly coaching parents to slow down, stop using so many words… and start using their ears!

When you deliberately dial back your words… and ramp up your listening… this communicates value to your teen.  It says to them that you care about what they truly think and feel.

But there’s another aspect to listening that most parents overlook.  When you ask a question and wait for the answer… listen with you ears and your eyes.  Make eye contact, and really become a student of your teen’s facial expressions and body language.

Don’t get discouraged if your teen doesn’t want to talk.  Be patient.  It’ll come with time.  Just keep listening… with your ears and your eyes!

 

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