Have you ever told your teen that she was born with two ears and one mouth for a reason?

That word-picture provides a colorful lesson about the importance of listening, but it’s a lesson that applies to parents, too! When moms and dads ask me how to have better communication with their teen, one thing I tell them is to stop talking, and start listening.

Now, being quiet isn’t the same thing as listening. It’s easy to be quiet but completely tune out at the same time!

So pay attention and really hear what your teen has to say. Today it might be a rant about something inconsequential, but when your teen believes that you truly care about what she’s saying, she’ll become more willing to share her deep concerns with you.

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