When traveling to a foreign country, you may employ a translator… someone to help you understand what’s going on around you.  Well, for some of us, it seems like our kids are speaking a foreign language right at home!  Need help understanding what’s going on?

I’ve met a lot of parents who give well- meaning advice to their children… but it’s interpreted much differently than it was intended.  The kid barks some kind of defensive comment… and parents are left wondering, What did I say wrong?

At this point it’s helpful to put yourself in your teen’s shoes… to “translate” your comments, if you will.  You might be surprised that your well- intentioned comments actually came across as judgmental.

Next time, pause and translate your comments before you speak!

 

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